Khopra Ridge Community Trek - 13 - 13 Days

Khopra Ridge is located away from the busier trails of the Annapurna region but provides equally remarkable views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fang, and Nilgiri. Other attractions are the holy Kaire Lake, which requires a little wandering away from the Kopra Ridge. Our journey to Khopra Ridge Community begins in Kathmandu with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The next day, fly to Pokhara and drive to Syauli Bazaar to begin our trek. Leave the main trail after Tadapani and for the next few days walk along a remote trail while staying at the community tea-houses. Khopra Ridge Community trek is suitable for those who wish to enjoy the grandeur of Mount Annapurna while also taking pleasure in the solace of more remote trails. This trip is worthwhile as it completes a unique heritage, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Alpine Club of Himalaya (ACOH) who will drop you at our hotel. After check-in, take a rest or visit Alpine Club’s office. Or else you can stroll around Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by ACOH where you will be served delicious authentic Nepalese cuisine and experience Nepal’s beautiful cultures. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(Included Meals: Dinner)

Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After breakfast, start our tours to several most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Among are the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, get your equipment checked by the trek leader, introduced yourself to fellow participants, and discuss details of the trip at ACOH’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Syauli Bazaar and Trek to Ghandruk (30 mins flight, 2 hrs drive and 3 hrs trek)
Fly to Pokhara early morning where you can catch amazing views of the Himalayas from the right side of our airplane. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the beautiful lake city, you will be enchanted with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna, and others. Later, drive to Syauli Bazaar and start the trek to Ghandruk. The village is a major recruitment center for the famous Gurkha soldiers and is the hub of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which promotes many varied ecological projects. Overnight in Ghandruk.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Ghandruk to Tadapani (2590m/8497ft) (3-4 hrs)
In Ghandruk, will enjoy astonishing views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and the Hiunchuli mountains. From here continue upwards through Deurali and into the dense rhododendron forests. The rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and when they bloom, the forests turn into gardens of dazzling red flowers when seen from the air or from afar. After trekking over a small pass, will reach Tadapani where you can excellent views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Hiunchuli mountains. There are many Tibetans in the village who sell things for the tourists to take back home as a souvenir. Overnight in Tadapani.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tadapani to Dobato (3350m/10,990ft) (4-5 hrs)
After Tadapani, leave the main trail and for the next five days will walk in a more remote area of the Annapurna region. Our trek today will get more excited with the diverse flora and fauna of the region and of course the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. Trekking in a relatively easy trail we reach Dobato which is dominated by the excellent view of the Annapurna South. Overnight in Dobato.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Dobato to Upper Chistibung (2975m/3198ft) (4-5 hrs)
After breakfast, descend through open ground and beautiful forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung. Next, ascend gradually through a forest before reaching Upper Chistibung which is a temporary herder’s settlement. If lucky, you might spot the colorful Lophophorus (Danphe), the national bird of Nepal, as well as Himalayan Thar on the grassy ridge high above the trail. Overnight in Upper Chistibung.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Trek to Khopra Ridge (3660m/12,007ft) (3-4 hrs)
Today will embark on a steady climb above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures to reach Khopra. As we approach Khopra Ridge, will see the tip of Annapurna South. Upon reaching Khopra, go for a short walk down Khopra Ridge to a viewpoint overlooking the Kali Gandaki river far below in this deep valley. From Khopra, you can admire the stunning mountain panorama including Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South. Overnight in Khopra.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Rest Day in Khopra Ridge: Tour to Kaire Lake (4500m/14,763ft) (10-11 hrs)
Start our trek around 6 am towards Kaire Lake where you attain excellent views of the Fang and surrounding mountains. Considered to be a sacred lake by the Hindus, it is believed that bathing in this lake will help attain Nirvana. As Hinduism and Buddhism are intricately related in Nepal, you can even see a number of Hindu and Buddhist shrines on the lakeside. For those of us who do not want to walk all the way to the lake, a half-day walk from Khopra can also be arranged. Take a rest and have a packed lunch. Overnight in Khopra Ridge.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Trek to Swanta Village (2200m/7217ft) (5-6 hrs)
From Khopra Ridge, descend off the hillside and continue downhill on a steep trail. Along the way, you can get more views of Mount Dhaulagiri with the mountain providing a lovely backdrop to the terraced fields and traditional houses in the nearby villages. Overnight in Swanta village.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Trek to Ulleri (2050m/6725ft) (5-6 hrs)
From Swanta, descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local watermill. From here cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where you will join the main trekking trail at Ghorepani. After Ghorepani descend through rhododendron forest to Ulleri to stay a night.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Trek to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara (5-6 hrs trek, 1 hrs drive)
On our way to Nayapul, you will enjoy the amazing hill landscape of western Nepal. Our trek will end at Nayapul where we board our vehicle to Pokhara, the beautiful lake city. Even from the city, you already rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8156m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), the five peaks of Annapurna, and others. Check-in to our hotel and take a rest. Or else you can stroll in the streets of Pokhara and spend your time relaxing in one of the most beautiful cities of Nepal. Overnight in Pokhara.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Sightseeing in Pokhara then Fly to Kathmandu
Leave our hotel early morning to visit the Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist Stupa ranked as the top second attraction in Pokhara by TripAdvisor. While here, enjoy the amazing view of the sun as it rises from the mighty Himalayas. Then continue touring the city’s landmarks including Davis Falls, Shiva Cave, and the International Mountain Museum (IMM). You can also do some boating in Phewa Lake, the largest lake in Pokhara, and visit Bindyabasini Temple located at the center of the lake. Fly to Kathmandu in the late afternoon. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your journey.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Final Departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative from ACOH will send you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home, you have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in Nepal. Have a safe journey home.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Cost Include

Pickups and drops from hotels and airport
Accommodations in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara; and teahouses during the trek (5 nights in community development lodges, 3 nights in local teahouses)
Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
Welcome and farewell dinners
Transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers = 1 assistant guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers = 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
Down jacket, sleeping bag, Alpine Club of Himalaya duffel bag, t-shirt, trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
Medical kit (to be carried by your guide)
All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP, TIMS)
All government and local taxes

Cost Exclude

Nepalese visa fee
Travel and rescue insurance
Private transportation except what is mentioned in the cost include.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower e.t.c)
Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)