Khopra Ridge Trek

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4.9

90+ Google reviewsrated 4.9 by 90+ travellers on Google5+ years guiding5+ years guiding in the Himalaya30+ countriesGuests from 30+ countriesLocal-born guidesBorn-and-raised local guides

Trek at a Glance

Price From

US$ 400 per person

Duration

5–6 days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Max. Altitude

3,660m

Best Season

Oct–May

Group Size

1–10 pax

Region

Annapurna

Accommodation

Lodge / Tea House

Meals

All meals (Backpacker: breakfast)

Start / End Point

Pokhara

Permits

ACAP, TIMS card

Khopra Ridge Trek Overview

Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide

A dramatic high ridge trail with uninterrupted Dhaulagiri panoramas, quieter than the Poon Hill circuit but with arguably better views.

Khopra Ridge is an off-the-beaten-path Annapurna loop through remote Gurung villages and alpine ridges to Khopra Danda, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,660m. The trail offers a unique perspective of the Annapurna massif, especially at sunrise without the usual crowds. This trek suits those who have experienced Poon Hill and seek more exploration.

For adventurers, there is an optional side trip to the sacred Khayer Lake at 4,500m, making for a complete Annapurna experience over 6-7 days. The teahouses on Khopra Ridge are community-owned, ensuring that income supports local villages below.

Who this trek is for: This route provides a genuine sense of remoteness and is designed for trekkers with good baseline fitness, avoiding those with significant altitude sensitivity.

Ridge Viewpoint

Khopra Danda

3,660 m / 12,008 ft

An exposed ridge camp with arguably the best Dhaulagiri view in Nepal. Sunrise from the ridge shows the 8,167-metre giant directly across the Kali Gandaki valley, with Annapurna South and Nilgiri completing the panorama.

Khopra Ridge Trek Highlights

Ridge-top views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South
Khopra Danda viewpoint at 3,660m
Optional side trip to Khayer Lake (4,660m)
Community-run tea houses
Lower crowds than Poon Hill

Khopra Ridge Trek Itinerary

Day	Itinerary	Max Altitude	Duration
Day 1	Pokhara to Tadapani	2,630m / 8,629ft	4-5 hours hike + 3 hours drive
Day 2	Tadapani to Dobato	—	5-6 hours
Day 3	Dobato to Chistibung	—	4-5 hours
Day 4	Chistibung to Khopra Danda (3,660m)	3,660m / 12,008ft	3-4 hours
Day 5	Khopra Danda to Swanta	—	5 hours
Day 6	Swanta to Pokhara	—	3-4 hours drive

Day 01: Pokhara to Tadapani
2,630m / 8,629ft
Duration4-5 hours hike + 3 hours drive
Altitude2,630m / 8,629ft
Breakfast at Pokhara, then a 3-hour drive to Ghandruk village. Start hiking. Lunch at Ghandruk. 4 to 5 hours of hike up through rhododendron forest to Tadapani. Camp at Tadapani.
Day 02: Tadapani to Dobato
Duration5-6 hours
5 to 6 hours of forest walking with the trail climbing onto the Dobato ridge and the Annapurna massif opening to the north. Breakfast at Tadapani, lunch on the way. Camp at Dobato.
Day 03: Dobato to Chistibung
Duration4-5 hours
4 to 5 hours through pine and oak forest into the high pasture at Chistibung. Breakfast at Dobato, lunch at camp. Camp at Chistibung.
Day 04: Chistibung to Khopra Danda (3,660m)
3,660m / 12,008ft
Duration3-4 hours
Altitude3,660m / 12,008ft
3 to 4 hours of steady ridge climb to the Khopra Danda viewpoint with Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri filling the horizon. Breakfast at Chistibung, lunch at camp. Camp at Khopra Danda.
Day 05: Khopra Danda to Swanta
Duration5 hours
Wake up early at around 5:30 am for the sunrise and golden mountain view. Breakfast at Khopra Danda, lunch on the way. About 5 hours of descent through community forest to the Magar village of Swanta. Camp at Swanta.
Day 06: Swanta to Pokhara
Duration3-4 hours drive
Breakfast at Swanta, then a 3 to 4 hour drive back to Pokhara. Camp at Pokhara.

Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide

Govt. License #1497

Rohit Timilsina

Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks

Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina

I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.

“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”

Govt. License #14974.9★ from 90+ reviews30+ countries guidedHighest guided: 5,416m

Meet the full team

Khopra Ridge Trek Cost & What's Included

Pick a comfort level to see exactly what its package covers. Prices by group size are in the booking card.

What is included in this trek package?

All required permits and TIMS card

Licensed English-speaking trekking guide

Private vehicle transfers to and from the trailhead

Comfortable tourist-standard lodges, twin share

All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Crew salary, insurance, meals and lodging

What is excluded in this trek package?

International flights and Nepal entry visa

Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance

Porter (available on request, extra cost)

Hot showers and Wi-Fi where not complimentary

Lunch and dinner in the city

Tips for your guide and crew

Private departures, your dates

We run this trek as a private trip on the dates that suit you. Tell us when and we will confirm availability.

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Khopra Ridge Trek Reviews

4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews

Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.

“Rohit was an excellent guide for my Khopra Ridge trek. From the very first day, he was professional, friendly, and always attentive. He knows the trail extremely well and made sure the pace was comfortable while still keeping good time each day. What I really appreciated was how caring and patient he was, especially on long uphill sections and in changing weather. I highly recommend Rohit to anyone planning the Khopra Ridge trek or any trek in Nepal.”

Birendra T Xettri ★

Khopra Ridge Trek · Mar 2026

5.0

See reviews from all our treks

Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks

Licensed & Insured

Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.

Expert Local Guides

Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.

Safety First

Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.

Small Groups

Maximum 12 trekkers per group, and one porter per two guests whenever porters are part of your package. You are a person, not a tour number.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Every quote itemises exactly what your package covers and what it does not, so nothing lands on you at the trailhead.

Responsible Travel

Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.

Know Before You Go

Khopra Ridge is a genuine moderate trek, harder than Poon Hill yet manageable with good baseline fitness. The trek involves a combination of higher sleeping altitude at 3,660m, longer days, and rougher trail quality above Chistibung. Special attention is necessary for trail finding and navigating the exposed ridge. Moderate fitness and training prior to the trek are required.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is mandatory at NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22) for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

The TIMS Card is also required, NPR 1,000 with an agency and NPR 2,000 independently. Additional community conservation fees may apply.

Sleeping altitude peaks at 3,660m, requiring acclimatisation. AMS symptoms at this altitude are common, and it's crucial to monitor for worsening symptoms. The optional Khayer Lake excursion reaches 4,500m, placing added importance on acclimatisation.

Teahouses in Ghandruk and Tadapani offer good comfort; however, facilities become basic at Dobato and on Khopra Ridge. Expect simple yet hearty meals with community guesthouses on the ridge being a highlight. Costs of meals rise with altitude.

The following is a solid starting point for most multi-day treks we run. Adjust for the season and the maximum altitude of your specific route. Shorter, lower-altitude hikes need far less than this full list. For the key insulation items (down jacket and four-season sleeping bag) we offer rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara for USD 35 each.

General

Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (rental available: USD 35)
Insulated down jacket (rental available: USD 35)
Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with rain cover
Sleeping bag liner

Head & Face

Sun hat or cap
Beanie or knitted hat for colder mornings and evenings
Buff or neck gaiter
Sunglasses with full UV protection
Headlamp with spare batteries

Upper Body

Technical base layer shirts, two
Technical long-sleeve shirts, two
Fleece or synthetic mid-layer
Waterproof and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Hiking pants, two pairs
Technical base-layer leggings for cold mornings
Waterproof or windproof outer shell pants
Comfortable pants for evenings in the teahouse

Hands

Lightweight liner gloves
Insulated outer gloves for high altitude or winter conditions

Feet

Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, broken in before the trip
Hiking socks, three to five pairs
Liner socks if prone to blisters
Comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings
Microspikes recommended November to March on routes above 4,000m

First Aid & Medications

Personal prescription medications
SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Blister care, plasters, and antiseptic cream
Electrolyte sachets or tablets
Note: our guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit with pulse oximeter

Other Essentials

Passport, two passport-sized photos, and photocopies of travel documents
One-litre reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
Small toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, and toilet paper
High-protein snacks for the trail (bars, nuts)
Waterproof dry bag for documents and electronics

We provide a free duffel bag at your pre-trip meeting, used for luggage carried by the porter. The duffel stays yours afterwards.
One porter is assigned per two trekkers. The duffel bag should weigh no more than 10 kg / 22 lbs per person.
Always carry your own daypack with essentials: cash, documents, water, camera, rain gear.
Non-trekking luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Down jacket and four-season sleeping bag are available for rent at USD 35 each. Loss or damage reimbursement is USD 100 per item.

Guide & Porter Services

Every trek is led by a government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide who is also trained in first aid and high-altitude emergency response. For groups of seven or more we add an assistant guide. Porters are assigned one per two trekkers, each carrying up to 10 kg of your main luggage so you only carry a daypack. All staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance are fully covered in the package price.

Accommodation Bookings

We pre-book every night's accommodation before you start, so you never arrive at a full teahouse during peak season. Nights before and after the trek are in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast included. On the trail you stay in tea houses or local lodges on a twin-sharing basis, with the best available rooms in each village. Private rooms and en-suite bathrooms are available where offered, usually at lower altitudes.

Transportation Arrangements

All ground transfers are arranged by private or shared tourist vehicles as specified in the itinerary. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included. Where a domestic flight is required (for example, Kathmandu to Lukla for Everest, or Jomsom to Pokhara for Mustang routes), the round-trip fare is covered in the package. We monitor flight and road conditions daily and adjust logistics proactively when weather or landslides affect the schedule.

Equipment Rental

A four-season sleeping bag and an insulated down jacket can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara at USD 35 per item for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles, microspikes, and additional layers are also available on request. We supply a 75-litre duffel bag for you to keep at your pre-trip briefing. A full packing checklist is sent after you book so you can pack with confidence.

Insurance Requirements

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for every trek we operate. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking at the maximum altitude of your route and include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellation. Please send us a copy of your policy at least two weeks before departure. We cannot start the trek without confirmation of valid coverage. This is for your safety and ours.

Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.

FAQs for Khopra Ridge Trek

Khopra Ridge is a genuine moderate trek, harder than Ghorepani Poon Hill but manageable with good baseline fitness. The challenge comes from the combination of a higher sleeping altitude at 3,660m, longer trekking days, and rougher trail quality above Chistibung where the path becomes exposed along the ridge. There is no technical climbing, but a month of regular cardio before you arrive makes the consecutive uphill days comfortable rather than a grind.

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs NPR 3,000 (about USD 22) for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, plus a TIMS card (NPR 1,000 arranged through an agency). Additional community conservation fees may apply on this route. 6K Nepal Treks arranges all permit paperwork for you before the trek starts, so you do not need to queue at the permit offices in Pokhara or Kathmandu yourself.

The trek runs best from October to May. Autumn brings the clearest, most stable skies for the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna panoramas, while spring colours the lower forests with blooming rhododendrons. The mountain views are most mesmerising at sunrise and sunset, when golden light illuminates the snow-capped peaks across the Kali Gandaki valley. We generally avoid the summer monsoon because cloud cover hides the very views this ridge exists for.

The standard route sleeps highest at Khopra Danda viewpoint at 3,660m, which requires sensible acclimatisation. Mild AMS symptoms such as headache or loss of appetite can appear at this altitude, so the gradual ascent over five to six days matters. The optional side trip to the sacred Khayer Lake reaches around 4,500m, which places even more importance on acclimatisation. Our team carries a medical kit with an oximeter, monitors for early signs, and follows the golden rule: if symptoms worsen instead of improving, we descend.

Teahouses in Ghandruk and Tadapani offer good comfort, but facilities become basic at Dobato and on Khopra Ridge itself. A real highlight is that the lodges on the ridge are community-owned, so your stay directly supports the villages below. On Standard and Luxury you get three meals a day plus tea or coffee twice daily, with simple but hearty teahouse fare; Backpacker covers breakfast, and you pay for lunch and dinner on the trail. Meal prices rise gently with altitude, so carry enough rupees from Pokhara before you start.

Our guided Khopra Ridge trek starts at USD 480 per person on the Backpacker tier and USD 580 on the Standard tier for a solo trekker, with the per-person rate dropping as your group grows. The Standard price includes ground transfers, the ACAP and TIMS permits, a licensed guide, community lodge and teahouse accommodation, three meals a day with tea or coffee, and a medical kit with an oximeter. Backpacker keeps the guide, transport and lodge rooms, but the ACAP and TIMS fees are not included and it covers breakfast only, with lunch and dinner paid on the trail. International flights, the Nepal visa, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses are not included on any tier.

Yes. From Khopra Danda you can add an optional day hike to the sacred Khayer Lake at around 4,500m, a long up-and-down excursion of roughly 7 to 8 hours that extends the trip to about 7 days. The lake sits beneath the Annapurna massif and holds religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Because it pushes well above the ridge sleeping altitude, we plan extra acclimatisation and sun protection for anyone taking this side trip.

Khopra Ridge is the route to choose once you have done Poon Hill and want something quieter and more remote. It is still far less crowded and commercialised than Ghorepani Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp, with the ridge offering a more dramatic, uninterrupted Dhaulagiri panorama directly across the Kali Gandaki valley. It passes remote Gurung and Magar villages such as Tadapani and Swanta, giving a genuine sense of off-the-beaten-path exploration.

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