Khopa Ridge Trek

                                        
                                        destination
                                        Khopra Danda-Khayer Lake
                                    
                                        duration
                                        15 Days
                                    
                                        grade
                                        Moderate
                                    
                                        start/end point
                                        Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                    
                                        max altitude
                                        4660m
                                    
                                        meal
                                        Available
                                    
                                        accommodation
                                        Available
                                    
                                        season
                                        Mar to May / Sep to Dec

Overview

In the heart of the Annapurna region, the Khopra Ridge Trek is an uncommon Nepalese trek that brings you close to 22 large mountains. It will cleanse your spirit by exposing you to traditional communities, terraced farms, and breathtaking mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Bhara Shikhar (7,647m), Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6,997m), and others. Khopra trek starts when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. After a breathtaking flight over the mountains from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you take a brief and beautiful drive from Pokhara to Kimche. The actual trekking begins at Kimche on undiscovered trails to Ghandruk, the biggest Gurung village in the Annapurna region. The walk is heavily forested and lined with pines, rhododendrons, oaks, and bamboo. This trip offers beautiful views of the sunrise over the mountains from Khopra Ridge and Punhiill, in addition to the panoramic mountain views. Trekkers have the opportunity to observe and experience the authentic Nepali culture and way of life as the trail passes through picturesque villages of the Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, and Brahmin populations. The hike is a great way to introduce your kids to the fun of trekking and the benefits of exchanging culture and experiences with the locals. The main location that is revered by Hindus is Khayer Lake, which is located at a height of 4660 meters (15285 feet). A tough walk in and of itself, the Khayer Lake trek is situated just a short distance from the Annapurna range, especially in the final section. You never tire of the constant smiles on the faces of the locals, their traditions, and the dense rhododendron forest while on this journey. If you want peaceful, non-tourist trekking, this journey is ideal for you. Nothing will be missed on this ruminative journey because getting lost in the right spot is always fun. This trip’s flexibility and availability from Rai Treks and Expedition; lets you modify the schedule and add other activities in Pokhara, including Paragliding if you like. You’re welcome to Khopra Ridge.

Trip Highlights

Historical, cultural city of the heritage places in Kathmandu valley
Scenic drive or flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Beautiful city - the city of the Lakes, Pokhara
Most beautiful and well-managed Gurung settlement of Ghandruk
A Panorama of Mulde Peak
The Hindu Holy Khayer Lake is located at 4660 meters
Khopra Danda is at an elevation of 3660 meters with views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains
The quaint Gurung and Magar settlements at Nayapul, Sudame, Hile, Tikhedhunga, Ulleri,and Banthanti, which resemble villages and are recognized for their peculiar turbans
Walking on a slender, stone-paved trail, visiting a historic monastery, an antique Gurung museum, waterfalls
Panoramic views of the Himchuli, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna (i, ii, iii, and south), and the Nilgiri Mountains
Unimpeded views of the dawn and sunset can be had from Punhill View Point
Breathtaking and eye-catching mountain vistas of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Hiuchuli, Annapurna South, Mt. Fishtail, Annapurnas from Mohare Danda
Flora and fauna

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative of “Rai Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd; will welcome you. When you come to the nation of breath-taking mountains and temple-filled cities, bring your nameplate. After assisting you with your belongings, one of our staff members will take you to the Hotel room for the night. In addition to giving you a briefing about the trekking itinerary in the evening, we will host a dinner program in a typical Nepali restaurant. It is essential that you attend the welcome meeting because this is when we’ll be asking you about your insurance and next of kin. If you think you’ll be late, kindly let the front desk at your hotel or travel company know. The center of the tourist district will be where your hotel is situated. We will help you and go over your travel itinerary with our adviser. There will be enough time to stroll down Thamel’s main thoroughfare.

Day 2: Sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley (1,350 meters) and trek preparation

SIGHTSEEING INCLUDES:

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE

Pashupatinath is one of the most significant and the biggest Hindu temples of Shiva in the world, which is in the heart of Kathmandu nearby the airport. There is no certain data how old the temple is, however; it is believed that the site had been existed since 400 BC. The current temple was built in 1692 CE. Shiva is the God of Gods symbolizing the “destruction” among three main Gods according to Hinduism – Brahma, Bishnu and Maheshwor (Shiva). Brahma creates living things, Bishnu preserves them and Shiva destroys them at the end. Pashupatinath is listed in the World Heritage site in the lists of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was enlisted in 1979 AD. Pashupatinath is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva)..

BOUDHANATH STUPA

It is also called Baudha, is the larget spherical stupa in the world. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. It is situated in the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, about 6 km from far from the heart of Kathmandu, Thamel. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. Buadhanath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

SWAYAMBHUNATH (MONKEY TEMPLE)

It is also called Monkey temple as you can see hundreds of monkeys around there when you visit there, which is the oldest religious site in Nepal. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. There is no enough proof when it was built, however; it is believed that it was built around 2500 years ago. It is also believed that it was created itself at the beginning so it is named Swayam (self) bhu (earth) nath (god) – which means it is created itself from the earth. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. It is situated around 3 km far from Thamel, in the west direction. Swayambhunath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive). 7 hours - 830 m/2723 ft

Day 4: Drive to Kimche and trek to Tadapani (2,630m/8,626ft)

Day 5: Tadapani to Dobato (3,420m/11,217ft)

Day 6: Dobato to Chistibung (2975m)

Day 7: Chistibung to Khopra Danda (3,660 m/12,008 ft)

Day 8: Khopra Danda to Khayer lake exploration (4,660m/15,285ft)

Day 9: From Khopra Danda to Swanta Village descent (2,200m/7,218ft)

Day 10: Swanta to Ghorepani (2,860m/9,380 ft.)

Day 11: Ghorepani to Punhill and then to Mohore Danda (3,300m/10,824ft

Day 12: Mohore Danda to Ulleri (1,960m/6,428ft)

Day 13: Ulleri to Pokhara (830 m/2723 ft

Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)-(1,350m/4,429ft)

Day 15: Final departure for your home country

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

Airport transfers in Kathmandu on private vehicle
3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu at Standard Hotel in Bed & Breakfast Basis
2 nights accommodation in Pokhara at Standard Hotel on Bed and Breakfast Basis
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu including all transportation and entry permit to enter to the Heritage sites
All inbound transportations as per the dossier on flight or on private vehicle
Trekking Permit, National Park & TIMS card fee
Trek on Full Board Basis (BLD - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Hot drink - tea/coffee) and accommodation in the Lodge during the trek.
1 professional English speaking guide including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 assistant guide between the team of 5 people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 porter between two people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
All insurance for trekking crew members
Medical kits including basic medicines for the trekking crew members
Trekking Map
Duffel Bag if needed
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Exclusion

International Airfare
Nepal Entry Visa Fee, which is USD50 for 30 days and USD30 for 15 days
Personal Insurance (Travel, Emergency Medical, Rescue)
Personal Trekking Gears, extra expenses Phone Calls, Water, Laundry, Bar Bills, Battery Recharge, Internet etc.
Main meals in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
Tipping for guides and porters, which is not mandatory but it is customary in Nepal