A wide grassy ridge with a lodge and a close panorama of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.
This route is far quieter than the main Annapurna trails, with a more local feel in the lodges.
Long forest walks give way to open pasture and ridge land above the trees.
A demanding day trip to a sacred lake at about 4,500 m to 4,660 m for those with an extra day and good fitness.
Terraced farms, stone houses and hospitable homestay-style lodges on the lower trail.
Finish with the classic dawn view from Poon Hill at about 3,210 m.
A short early-morning climb from Dobato for a wide view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Subtropical valley, high pasture and cool forest all in one trip.
The Khopra Ridge trek, sometimes called Khopra Danda, climbs from Ghandruk along a high forested ridge to a lodge at about 3,660 m with a huge outlook over Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri. It then descends through Swanta and Ghorepani to finish at Poon Hill.
Because it stays off the busy main trails, the route is quieter and the lodges are simpler. Some stretches are long, and Khopra Ridge can be cold and windy even in the main seasons. The days above 3,000 m call for steady pacing and good layers.
This 10-day plan starts in Pokhara and ends with the return to Kathmandu, so Kathmandu nights before the trek are extra. If you want the Khayer Lake side trip, we suggest adding a day to the schedule rather than rushing it.
| Duration | 10 days on the trail from Pokhara (Kathmandu hotel nights extra) |
|---|---|
| Start / End | Pokhara and Nayapul to Ghandruk; ends with Poon Hill and a drive back to Pokhara and Kathmandu |
| Highest point | Khopra Ridge, about 3,660 m (Khayer Lake side trip about 4,500 m or higher) |
| Distance | Roughly 50 to 65 km on foot |
| Walking per day | About 3 to 7 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate; steeper climbs to Dobato and Khopra, with a long descent to Swanta |
| Best seasons | March to May and September to November |
| Accommodation | Simple teahouse lodges; fewer options and more basic rooms than the main Annapurna trails |
| Group size | Private trips or small groups, from one traveller upward |
| Permits | Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card are usually needed, and a licensed guide is usually required. We arrange these. |
Drive to the trailhead, cross the river at Birethanti and climb to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk, where you spend the afternoon among stone houses and mountain views.
Walking: 3 to 5 hours, plus about 1.5 to 2 hours by roadClimb through terraced farms and a rhododendron forest to the ridge village of Tadapani, with views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.
Walking: 4 to 5 hoursA steady forest climb leads out of the trees to a high lodge on the ridge. Lodge names for this stop vary: Dobato and Bayeli are used for nearly the same place.
Walking: 4 to 6 hoursRise early for the optional short climb to the viewpoint for sunrise, then follow the ridge down through meadow and forest to Chistibung.
Walking: 4 to 6 hoursThe trail climbs above the trees to the lodge on Khopra Ridge. The afternoon is for resting and soaking up the view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Walking: 3 to 4 hoursSpend the day on the ridge acclimatising, or make the long hike to the sacred lake if you are fit and the weather is clear. Check with your guide before starting.
Walking: 1 to 3 hours rest day, or 8 to 10 hours for the lakeA steep, long descent through forest and switchbacks takes you into the warm farmland of Swanta village.
Walking: 5 to 6 hoursClimb through Chitre and forest to the pass village of Ghorepani, where the main Poon Hill trail is busy with trekkers.
Walking: 4 to 6 hoursClimb to Poon Hill for sunrise, return for breakfast, then descend the stone steps through Ulleri and Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
Walking: 6 to 8 hours, then about 1.5 hours by roadTravel by road or a short flight and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Travel: about 6 to 7 hours by roadKathmandu arrival night and the Kathmandu to Pokhara drive are not counted in these 10 days; our plan starts in Pokhara. Lodge names and altitudes differ between sources, so figures are approximate. Weather or snow can change the plan above 3,000 m.
It is moderate. Some days are steep and sleeping at 3,350 m to 3,660 m is high. You should be able to walk 5 to 6 hours uphill. Khayer Lake is a much harder optional day.
Khopra is longer, higher and quieter than Poon Hill, and it rewards you with Dhaulagiri views. It is also more remote than Mardi Himal, with simpler lodges.
It is an optional side trip. It is a long, demanding day at about 4,500 m or higher, so it needs good fitness, clear weather and a day free in the schedule.
The highest sleeping point is about 3,660 m. The route climbs in stages, but altitude sickness is possible. Drink plenty of water, go slowly and tell your guide about symptoms.
March to May and September to November are the best periods. Winter is cold with snow on the ridge and the monsoon brings rain, leeches and poor views.
Simple lodges, with basic rooms, shared toilets and limited hot water or charging. Higher lodges are cold at night. Bring a warm sleeping bag.
You usually need an Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card, and a licensed guide is usually required. We arrange everything for you.
Broken-in boots, warm layers, down jacket, waterproof shell, hat, gloves, sun protection, a headlamp and trekking poles. Bring snacks, since lodges are farther apart.
Yes. Your policy should cover trekking to at least 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation. Send us the details before you arrive.
Yes. We run private trips and small groups. A private trek lets you set the pace and add rest or lake days.
Send an enquiry from this page or message us on WhatsApp. We confirm dates and details, and a deposit secures your booking.
Lower villages often have a signal, and many lodges sell Wi-Fi or a local SIM data pack for a fee. Higher up and in remote valleys the connection is slow or absent, so tell family to expect quiet days. Wi-Fi is not included in the price. A local SIM bought in Kathmandu is a cheap backup.
Lodges serve dal bhat, noodles, soup, eggs, pasta, momo and pancakes, and dal bhat comes with refills. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easy to arrange. If you need gluten-free food or have allergies, tell us when you book so your guide can brief the kitchen, though choices narrow as you climb. Meals on trail days are included. City meals are not, apart from breakfast and the two special dinners.
Tap and stream water is not safe to drink untreated. Lodges sell boiled or bottled water for a fee, which is not in the price. Many trekkers bring purification tablets or a filter bottle to save money and plastic. Your guide can show you where it is safe to refill.
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off at Kathmandu airport, hotel nights in Kathmandu with breakfast, a guided city tour, and a welcome and farewell dinner are included. See the Included tab on this page for the full list. Extra hotel nights outside the itinerary are not included, so ask us if you need them.
A 20% deposit secures your booking. Send an enquiry from this page or message us on WhatsApp, and we will confirm the dates and how to pay. The balance is paid in Kathmandu before the trek. For cancellation and refund terms, see wildpasstreks.com/booking-policy/
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Fill in your details, and we will confirm availability. A 20% deposit secures your booking. Prices are per person and the final price is confirmed by us.
