Overview
Khopra Ridge yoga trek is a gem of a trek, and one of the lesser-known ones in the Annapurna region. It contains all of the elements of a classic Nepal trekking experience — villages, wildlife, panoramic mountain views and a range of landscapes from forest to high alpine — but is off the beaten path and provides a slightly different experience, in that for four nights of the itinerary you stay in community lodges set up by local villagers. Depending on the amount of time you have available, and your level of fitness, this trek can range from 7-10 days.
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| Price per person | 7 days - US$ 655 8 days - US$ 745 9 days - US$ 840 10 days - US$ 930 |
| Duration | 7-10 Days |
| Difficulty | II (Moderate) |
| Maximum Altitude | 3,660m |
| Destination | Khopra Ridge |
| Group Size | 1-8 |
| Starting From | Kathmandu, Pokhara and Ghandruk |
| Ending at | Nayapul and Pokhara |
Description
We begin following the popular trails of the Annapurna foothills passing through terraced fields, rhododendron forests and Gurung villages, including Ghandruk, which beautifully showcases traditional Gurung culture, including daily life and architechture. As a taste of what awaits us at higher altitudes, Ghandruk provides beautiful views of Mount Machhapuchhre (also known as Fishtail) and Mount Hiunchuli. After passing through the village of Tadapani, we turn off from the main path and follow a remote trail toward Khopra Ridge, staying at community lodges overnight.
We reach our high point at Khopra lodge at 3,660m, from where we may see yak herds roam and small planes fly through the Kali Gandaki valley below. Few trekkers have yet discovered Khopra Ridge, and thus the lodge is beautifully secluded, allowing you the luxury of enjoying the stunning views in relative solitude.
The mountain views from Khopra Ridge are superb: Although close to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint, Khopra Ridge is at a higher elevation (3660m) and quite a lot closer to the Himalaya peaks. This provides even more dramatic and absorbing panoramic views of the famous mountains, including Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fang and Nilgiri.
Our descent from Khopra Ridge takes us through alpine pastures, and a mature oak and rhododendron forest to the village of Swanta, another unspoiled example of local life which does not see many trekkers. After a night at Swanta village we descend to Ulleri, and, on the final day, to Nayapul to meet our private transport for the drive back to Pokhara.
Route/Itinerary
The following route and itinerary applies to the full 10 day trek. For shorter versions of this trek, the itinerary is adjusted accordingly.
Route
Pokhara – Ghandruk – Tadapani – Bayeli Kharka – Upper Chistibung – Kopra Ridge – Swanta Village – Ulleri – Nayapul – Pokhara
Day 01 // Kathmandu – Pokhara
Early morning tourist coach transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Stunning views during the drive of mighty Himalayan massifs as well as green hills and dramatic river valleys. After arrival in Pokhara, last preparations for the trek – detailed briefing, last minute shopping and packing. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Day 02 // Pokhara – Kimche – Ghandruk // 2,000m // 2hr drive, 2hr trek
The first day offers a short walk of just two hours, and the opportunity to get used to the idea of trekking in Nepal. After a two hour drive from Pokhara, we start our short day’s walk uphill to charming Ghandruk, with fine views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre, and possibly a visit to the Gurung museum.
Day 03 // Ghandruk – Tadapani // 2,500m // 4hr trek
We continue upwards through the village of Deorali and rhododendron forests, reaching Tadapani after a small pass.
Day 04 // Tadapani – Bayeli Kharka 2,900m // 6hr trek
From here, we leave the main trail and continue into a more remote area of the Annapurna region. A beautiful trail — originally used by villagers from Ghandruk to take their buffaloes, sheep and goats to the higher pastures in the summer months — takes us through rhododendron and oak forests. We cross the tree line, continuing up to Bayeli Kharka (where the first community lodge is located). From the lodge the view to west is dominated by Mount Dhaulagiri, at 8,167m is the seventh highest mountain in the world.
Day 05 // Bayeli Kharka – Upper Chistibung // 2,975m // 4hr trek
We continue along the trail which today takes us across a grassy slope, traversing through pastures with grazing Dzo (cross between cow and yak) and huts of herders. Look out for the colourful Danphe pheasant, the national bird of Nepal, as well as Himalayan Tahr (wild mountain goats).
Day 06 // Upper Chistibung – Copra Ridge // 3,660m // 3hr trek
A steady climb takes us through alpine meadows and pastures, during which we are rewarded with a view of the tip of Annapurna South. However it is only on arrival at Kopra community lodge that the full panorama is revealed: Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna South combine into a unique and stunning view of the Himalayan range. After lunch it is well worth taking a short walk down Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint overlooking the Kali Gandaki river in its deep valley far below.
Day 07 // Kopra Ridge // Exploration day
Today we take a day walk from Khopra Ridge towards Kaire Lake where Fang and its surrounding mountains can be admired from a different, equally superb perspective. This is a long walk and can take up to 11 hours, and if you prefer a lighter program today, there are a variety of options for shorter walks.
Day 08 // Kopra Ridge – Swanta Village // 2,200m // 5hr trek
We descend to Upper Chistibung, then carry on down to the village of Swanta. Along the way, views of Mount Dhaulagiri offer a picturesque backdrop to the terraced fields and traditional houses of nearby villages.
Day 09 // Swanta Village – Ullevi 2,050m // 6hr trek
An hour or so after leaving the village of Swanta, we again join the main, busier trekking trail to Ghorepani and Ulleri.
Day 10 // Ulleri – Nayapul – Pokhara // 5hr trek, 1.5hr drive
We descend all the way down to Nayapul, initially following a steep stone stair trail which later becomes a gentle trail and then we take private transport to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Included/Excluded
What Is Included
- Daily yoga and meditation classes during the trek
- Yoga Mats and Blankets
- Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus (lunch included)
- All necessary transportation during the trek
- Hotel accommodation (twin sharing) in Pokhara on the first and last day of the itinerary
- Dinner in Pokhara on the first and last day of the itinerary
- Teahouse accommodation (twin sharing) during the trek
- 3 meals a day during the trek
- Healthy snacks
- First Aid supplies
- All necessary paperwork, conservation fees and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS), and local taxes
What Is Excluded
- Beverages (Hard or Soft drinks, Mineral Water Bottles, Filtered Water)
- Personal travel equipment
- Personal expenses (WiFi, phone calls, laundry, extra porters, water, hot shower etc.)
- Personal travel and health insurance
- Any expenses related to emergency evacuation
- Any cost arising due to circumstances outside of our control such as natural disasters, strikes and political disturbances, guest sickness, etc.
- Tips for trekking guide, yoga teacher & porters