Khopra ridge, one of the beautiful ridge, nowadays famous for Hiking walking.
in Nepal. It is located in the busier trek region, Annapurna region of Nepal. Before some years, very few trekkers were only seen in this region. Nowadays, it is taken as one of the beautiful treks in Nepal. It includes beautiful natural scenes and views. It is famous for beautiful views of Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m) Annapurna South (8091m), Fang and Mount Neelgiri (6474m). The beautiful views of mountains and warm hospitality of villager are the main attraction of Khopra trek Ghandruk (1940m), Ghorepani (2874m)and Tadapani (2600m) are the beautiful villages with typical Gurung and Magar Culture.
Besides this, the small water rivulets, ponds, and rhododendron forest are another attraction of this trek,. Before some years Khopra ridge trek was rarely known to the trekkers. So very few trekkers were only found there. There were no lodges and teahouses at that time. Now, Khopra ridge trek is facilitated with teahouses and lodges. We can find lodges and teahouses even in offseason. It is one of the all season trek routes in Nepal. The highest point is the Khopra Lodge at 3660m from where the beautiful scenes of mountains and hills can be experienced
Another attraction of this trek is the holy lake, Khayer Lake which is little bit wandering away from Khopra Dada. It is virtually a natural heaven and best alternative trek of Annapurna Circuit. The unique heritage, culture, and breathtaking landscape, the trip will be well worth our time with the staff of Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu(1337m)
Day 03: Kathmandu-Pokhara (820m) by bus 6-7hours
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul – Ghandruk (1,940m) Drive 2/3 hours
Day 05: Ghandruk – Tadapani (2,630m) 5-6 hours walk
Day 06: Tadapani – Dobato(3,420m) 5-6 hours walk
Day 07: Dobato – Chistibung (2,975m) 3-4 hours walk
Day 08: Chistibung – Khopra Ridge (3,660m) 3-4 hours walk
Day 09: Khopra Ridge – Swanta (2,214m) 5-6 hours walk
Day 10: Swanta – Ghorepani (2,860 m) 5-6 hours walk
Day 11: Ghorepani Via nayapul (1070m) -Pokhara (827m) 5-6 hours walk
Day 12: Sightseeing in Pokhara(827m)
Day 13: Pokhara –Kathmandu (1337) 6-7 hours travel by tourist bus
Day 14: Shopping /Rest in Kathmandu Sightseeing in Bhaktapur 3-4 hours
Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern while traveling with Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. The trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is necessary due to unfavorable circumstances. Unfavorable weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, or an unexpected natural disaster can force changes to the itinerary. However, every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary. The lead guide will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give a 24-hour emergency response to an accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy, or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and insure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A staff member will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu(1337m)
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 5.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: Kathmandu-Pokhara (820m) by bus 6-7hours
This day we travel for 6-7 hours if we are going the bus. But if we are going by air it will take just 35min to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Immediately after you left Kathmandu you climb to the pass over the mountain ridge that surrounds Kathmandu valley. If it is a clear day, you can enjoy the phenomenal view of Ganesh Himal, LamjungHimal, Manaslu and Annapurna on the way. The road descends to about 400 meters and runs along the Trishuli River. Sometimes we can see a group of people in rafts in the Trisuli River. The bus stops for lunch on the way. Finally, we reach Pokhara the most beautiful city of Nepal by the afternoon. From today onwards, after the dinner or before we go to bed, the Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition trekking guide will take a report and give a briefing in every evening about the trek that we are going to make next day.
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul – Ghandruk (1,940m) Drive 2/3 hours
From Pokhara, you will be transferred by road (private Ben ) to the starting point of the trek at Nayapul. and after guide and porters organize the load, we will set off on the walk. We will cross a small stream via suspension bridge and continue on a dirt road before crossing the Modi River to reach Birethanti. Soon you will reach the small hamlet of Shyauli Bazaar where you will stop for the lunch. After lunch, you will start the climb to Ghandruk. From here the trail climbs more steeply up stone steps through settlements of Klieu, Kimche, and Chane, where one can see beautiful scenery and village life. From the small village of Chane the trail traverses and then climbs up to the village of Ghandruk. Stay overnight at Ghandruk.
Day 05: Ghandruk – Tadapani (2,630m) 5-6 hours walk
Another day, ascending ahead, but the walk will be comparatively easier with Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff, now that you’ve found your trekking legs! Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind, you will enter oak and rhododendron forest. Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk, the forest is alive with the sound of birds and small tumbling waterfalls which gives the perfect combination of nature and flora and fauna, In Spring, the rhododendron will be in full bloom. There are no villages on today’s route, but there will be a few teahouses at BaisiKharkha, providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. There will be fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m) Annapurna South (7237m), Machapuchare (6993m) and LamjungHimal (6931m) along the way Your lodge at Tadapani is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views. Stay overnight at Tadapani.
Day 06: Tadapani – Dobato(3,420m) 5-6 hours walk
You will leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani today and follows a rarely used trail – initially through thick rhododendron forest – that leads to local water buffalo pastures. The climb is gradual and soon you will emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range. You will take lunch by a small stream and then continue to climb gradually through open countryside to reach a small pass, where the trail descends through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Dobato. From the Tea house of Dobato, we can have great views of Dhaulagiri Himal. Stay overnight at Dobato.
Day 07: Dobato – Chistibung (2,975m) 3-4 hours walk
This morning we will descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where we will have lunch. After lunch we will continue to walk through a forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herder’s settlement at Upper Chistibung, where you will stay in the small community lodge. For the next week, we will stay in lodges run by the local communities. Being off the beaten track, the villages haven’t previously enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the network of our Community Lodges, there are profits to benefit local projects and schools. Stay overnight at Upper Chistibung.
Day 08: Chistibung – Khopra Ridge (3,660m) 3-4 hours walk
To reach the ridge at Kopra, we will embark on a steady climb that carries us above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife, so we should keep our eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe Himlayan pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take our time and rest as often as we wish. we will reach the lodge on Kopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above you at only six kilometers away, with Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. Stay overnight at Kopra Ridge.
Day 09: Khopra Ridge – Swanta (2,214m) 5-6 hours walk
From Kopra Ridge you will descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. You will retrace the route back to Chistibung. You will then head to the village of Swanta, where you will stay overnight in the newly constructed lodge. We have supported the local school over the years, and there is time to pay a quick visit, and perhaps interact with the kids. Stay overnight at Swanta.
Day 10: Swanta – Ghorepani (2,860 m) 5-6 hours walk
From Swanta you will descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here you will cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where you’ll join the main trekking trail. There is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani where you will be met with great views of the Dhaulagiri massif and a well-earned rest. Stay overnight at Ghorepani.
Day 11: Ghorepani Via nayapul (1070m) -Pokhara (827m) 5-6 hours walk
After giving your knees the next day to recover, you will continue a more gentle descent to the village of Birethanti, on the banks of the ModiKhola. Here you will have lunch and then cross the new bridge to the east bank, before following the river back to the pick-up point at Jeep Tikhedhunga or Nayapul After saying farewell to your guide and porters, you will be transferred by coach back to Pokhara. Afternoon together. You have an option to take Jeep from Tikedhunga from where offroad begins and ends at Nayapul. The Jeep drive takes one and Half hour. There is a pitch road from Nayapul to Pokhara. All the Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff will be with you up to Pokhara. You will have farewell at Pokhara. From Pokhara, our team of staff will come to Kathmandu themselves so our tour finally ends at Pokhara.
Day 12: Sightseeing in Pokhara(827m)
We are in a naturally beautiful city Pokhara. After breakfast, we go to Lakeside where we enjoy boating for some time go to visit Peace Stupa on a hillock across the Fewalake. We come back and have lunch in one of the restaurants in the Lakeside. After lunch, we go to visit Devis Fall. Then we visit some natural caves called GupteshworMahadev cave, MahendraGufa and ChamereGufa (Bat Cave).
Day 13: Pokhara –Kathmandu (1337) 6-7 hours travel by tourist bus
Now the tour is almost coming to the end. We catch a bus to Kathmandu right after breakfast. The bus stops on the way for lunch. We can enjoy our bus tour since the road runs along the Marsyangdi and Trisuli River. The distance is just 200 km but the road is winding. So we drive slowly through the jungle along the Marsyangdi River in the beginning. Then from Muglin, we drive along the Trisuli River through the jungle, terraced fields and small cities on the way. At the place called Kuringhat, we witness Nepal’s only cable car service: Manakamana Cable Car. The cable cars fly above the Trisuli River, several green hills and villages to the famous ManakamanaGoddessTemple of Gorkha District. The term “Manakamana” means the “Wish of our Spirit”. The pilgrims to Manakamana Goddess Temple believe that the Goddess will make their wish fulfilled. We sometimes see the rafters in the Trisuli River through the window of the bus.
Day 14: Shopping /Rest in Kathmandu Sightseeing in Bhaktapur 3-4 hours
This day you spend on your own either looking around Kathmandu, buying a souvenir for your friends/family or you can have full rest or prepare for going back to your home country. Or if you wish you will be taken to Bhaktapur for sightseeing for 4 hours. But you have to extra charge for this. In the evening you will be served the Farewell Dinner by the company.
Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye.
Minimum number of participants: 2
Maximum number of participants: 12
Max Altitude: 3660 meters
Best Season: Oct – Dec And Mar – May
Difficulty Level: Easy
December, January, and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So, trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in a night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail. Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So, a tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see a splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange a family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikes and cultural tour. It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit.
March, April, and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze are felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of a cloud can be seen in the sky during this season. So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of an expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal. So many tourists from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period. Peak climbing period can be in length up to June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programs during this period. This period offers plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.
June, July, and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slightly difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September, October, and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our treks. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes. This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favorable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal. Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period. So many tourists come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m is the best destination for climbing in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of the nature of Nepal in this season.
Equipment & Packing List
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items