Khopra Danda (Ridge) Trek –

Day 1: Arrive at Pokhara
Arrival in Pokhara and you will be met at the airport by our representative who will be waiting for an ABC Treks sign outside the terminal and transfer to Hotel by private car. Welcome drink and after you settle into the hotel there will be a group briefing with your tour leader. He will discuss the trek details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Day 2:  Drive from Pokhara to Kimche and trek to Ghandruk 1940m/1 hour
From Pokhara, you will be transferred by road (private car) to the starting point of the trek at Kimche via Nayapul which takes about 3 hours of driving. Then after we will walk on the road for a while where one can see beautiful scenery and village life. Then trail traverses and then climbs up to the village of Ghandruk, where we will stop for lunch and spend the night. Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung villages in the area, the difference in the Gurungs lifestyle here to that of their neighbors in the lower areas is very apparent. Ghandruk is well known for the number of its menfolk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments. From the lodge at Ghandruk, you will have spectacular views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machapuchhare (6993m) and Hiunchuli (6434m). Evening we explore the village, old traditional Gurung Museum and the Buddhist monastery. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 3: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani 2630m/3 hours
Morning after breakfast with great views of mountains, another day ascending ahead, but the walk will be easier now in most of the walk for the whole day. Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind, we will enter oak and rhododendron forest. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk, the forest is alive with the sound of birds and small tumbling waterfalls, and if you visit in spring, (late March to April) the rhododendron will be in full bloom. There are no villages on today’s route, but there will be a few teahouses at Baisi Kharkha, providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. There will be fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way. The trail from Baisi Kharka, we walk through the forest and sometimes we can see the monkeys. Our lodge at Tadapani is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Dobato 3420m/5 hours
Morning after breakfast, we will leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani or ABC and follows a rarely used trail – initially through thick rhododendron forest – that leads to local water buffalo pastures lands. The climb is gradual and soon we will emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range. After 2 hours of walking gradual uphill through the Rhododendron forest, we will arrive at Meshar Danda. Then we continue to climb gradually through the forest and soon arrive though open countryside to reach Isharu which takes about 30 minutes and We will take lunch here. After lunch, we walk again in the grassland until reaching a small pass, where the trail descends for a while and soon trail goes up the hill between small hill through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Dobato which takes about 2 and half hours. There is small ridge called Muldai View Point just high above Dobato which takes about 30 minutes from where we will have superb views of high Himalayan range such as Machhapuchhre to the South to Dhaulagiri to the north-west and Annapurna range in the middle. This is usually very good to hike early in the morning for Sunrise view over the high mountains. There will be another interesting day hike to Hidden Lake from Dobato who has a longer time to explore this very remote lake and the views of mountains are very close. This takes 7 hours of round trip walking from Dobato and need an extra day for exploring. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 5: Trek from Dobato to Chistibung 3026m/4 hours
Today early in the morning, we will hike 30 minutes uphill to Muldai ViewPoint from where we will have the panoramic view of the high Himalayas including Dhaulagiri range and Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre. Then back to lodge. After breakfast, we will walk downhill for a while in a dense forest of Rhododendron and soon we will climb uphill for few minutes then the trail goes level until reaching Bayli Kharka which takes an hour walking. From Bayli Kharka, there are great views of Dhaulagiri Range. Then we will descend through dense forest of Rhododendron until reaching small Stream and cross wooden bridge and walk continue for a while and soon again cross small stream, then start ascending for few minutes through the forest and trail goes for level until reaching open ground and forest to reach the pastures of lands, continue to walk through forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo/yaks grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herder’s settlement at Chistibung, where you will stay in the small community lodge or private lodge. Stay overnight at Lodge/Home-Stay.

Day 6: Trek from Chistibung to Kopra Ridge/Danda 3660m/3 hours
Today after breakfast, we are heading to reach the ridge at Kopra, we will embark on a steady climb that carries us above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife, so we should keep our eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take our time and rest as often as our wish. We will reach the lodge on Kopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views of mountain vistas. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above us at only six kilometers away, with Fang/Bahra Sikhar and Nilgiri prominent to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the Dhaulagiri range dominates the entire western skyline. The Kopra Community Lodge is the highlight of our work in the region. It takes 2 and half hours walking from Chistibung to Khopra. Stay overnight at Community Lodge.

Day 7: Trek from Khopra Ridge to Swanta 2214m/5 hours
After breakfast with great views of mountain vistas, from Kopra Ridge we will descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. We will retrace the route back to Chistibung. It will take 1 and half hour. Then the trail goes steep downhill through the forest until Kharka for an hour. This place is really nice to make a lunch break and then cross the small wooden bridge. Afterward, the trail stays uphill for a little while in the bamboo forest and walk in the ups and downs until reaching the village of Swanta where Magar people are inhabited. It takes about 2 hours after lunch. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 8: Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani 2860m/3 hours
Today from Swanta we will descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here we will cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where we will join the main trekking trail coming from Tatopani. There is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani where we will be met with great views of the Dhaulagiri massif and a well-earned rest. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 9: Trek from Ghorepani to Tikhedunga 1540m/5 hours
Early in the morning, 45 minutes hike to Poon Hill through the Rhododendrons forests for the spectacular view of Mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m, TukuchePeak 6920m, Nilgiri 6940m, Baraha Shikhar 7847m, Mt. Annapurna I 8091m, Annapurna South 7219m, Annapurna III 7855m, Machhapuchhre 6993m, Annapurna IV 7525m, Annapurna II 7937m, Lamjung Himal 6931m and unobstructed view of sunrise over the mountains. We can enjoy with the brilliant view of mountains and sunrise view. Then we return back to Lodge. After having breakfast, for the rest of the day, it is all downhill. The walk passes through beautiful rhododendron forest and we will continue to trek through the forest and for those trekking in late March or April the rhododendron should be in full bloom. We will arrive at Ulleri with plenty of time to explore this picturesque village. We will have lunch there and to make the most of the day ahead. From the Ulleri there is a very steep descent of 500 meters on a stone staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola River where we will cross a small suspension bridge to reach the village of Tikhedunga. Stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 10: Trek from Tikhedunga to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara 
After giving our knees next day to recover, we will continue a more gentle descent to the village of Birethanti, on the banks of the Modi Khola and then cross the new bridge to the east bank, before following the river back to the pick-up point at Naya Pul. Then we will be transferred to coach/car back to Pokhara and transfer to Hotel. Your trip will come to an end today.

Trip Region: Annapurna Region
Types of Trip: Trekking and Hiking
Duration: 12 Days
Highest Elevation: 4600m
Mode of Trip: Lodge or Tea-house or Community Lodge
Grade: Strenuous
Average Walking: 5-6 hours in a day
Trip Start/End: Pokhara/Pokhara
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:  Normal tea-houses/lodges during the trek
Best Season: Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) and Spring (March-April-May)
Transportation by:  Private Vehicle
Culture Experience: Majority of Magar and Gurung
Major Mountains Sights:  Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) 6993m, Annapurna I 8091m, Annapurna South 7219m, Hiun Chuli 6441m, Mardi Himal 5553m, Annapurna III 7555m, Dhaulagiri 8167m, Nilgiri 6839m, Tukuche Peak 6920m.
Highlights of the Trip:  Panoramic and closed views of Annapurna massif, explore in the valley, unobstructed sunrise and sunset view from Poon Hill View Point, picturesque villages, experiencing with lifestyle and culture of Magar and Gurung people who is very famous for Gorkha arm, walking in the narrow and stone-paved trail, ancient Monastery, old tradition Gurung Museum, waterfalls, scenic mountain flight to and from Pokhara, explore lake city of Pokhara, walking through dense Rhododendron forest and even more beautiful in Spring.

Our Khopra Ridge Trek Package includes;
* Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot/cold filter water during the Lodge trek.
* Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
* 1 experienced helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 peoples), their food & accommodation, salary, equipment & insurance.
* All transportation by private vehicle.
* Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
* All necessary permits.
* Tourist service charge,
* Office Service charge
* All Government Tax.

Our Khopra Ridge Trek Package doesn’t include;
* Any meals ( Lunch and Dinner) in Pokhara.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International airfare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipment like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver…