12 Days Moderate

Khopra Ridge & Balcony Trek - 12 days

Khopra Ridge & Balcony Trek - 12 days

Difficulty
Moderate
Max Elevation
4000
Duration
12
Best Time
Ghandruk - Pokhara
Accommodation
Lodge / teahouse
Group Size
2-15

The Khopra Ridge Trek is an easy route, away from busier trails, making it ideal for families and anyone seeking a peaceful Himalayan experience. The journey begins in Kathmandu, followed by a flight to Pokhara and then a drive to Kimche, from where the trek starts in the Annapurna region. Along the way, the trail passes through Gurung and Magar villages, terraced farmlands, and vibrant rhododendron and oak forests, reflecting the authentic mountain lifestyle and local traditions.

As the trail climbs, expansive views of the Himalayan giants unfold. From the ridges and viewpoints along the route, Annapurna South (7,219 m), Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m) come into view. Scenic spots such as Muldai, Khopra Danda, and Mohare Danda offer unforgettable sunrise and sunset panoramas across these towering mountains. Walking along the natural “balcony” of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri, high ridges provide sweeping vistas and a true sense of Himalayan grandeur.

Along the route, the trail passes near Khayer, a holy lake visited by many pilgrims once a year, though it is not the main destination. The objective is to reach a maximum altitude of around 4,000 m before Khayer, ensuring a rewarding high-altitude experience. The route continues through tranquil alpine landscapes, providing a strong sense of remoteness. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and quiet trails, the Khopra Ridge Trek delivers a memorable, family-friendly Himalayan adventure.

Trip Highlight

  • Explore Gurung and Magar villages and vibrant alpine forests.
  • Hike ridges with panoramic views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.
  • Witness the golden sunrise from Muldai and Mohare Danda.
  • Feel the thrill of walking on the “balcony” of Annapurna South.

Itinerary

  • D1

    Arrive Kathmandu (1350m). Transfer to the hotel

    Your memorable holiday begins in Kathmandu. After arrival, you will have time to freshen up before meeting your guide for an afternoon briefing. This is the perfect moment to organize your trekking gear and prepare your bags for the journey ahead.

    Accommodation: Hotel. Meals included: morning
    Transport : 20 M drive hotel

  • D2

    Flight to Pokhara (850 m) - Drive to Kimche (1740 m) - Trek to Ghandruk (2,000 m)

    After your  picturesque flight to Pokhara, you arrive at Pokhara International Airport, where a private car will take you to Kimche. After Birethanti, the road becomes quite rough. We take a short break, then begin our trek to Ghandruk . The trail climbs gently on stone-paved steps until we reach Ghandurk. A traditional Gurung village, where you can visit the Gurung Cultural Museum and a Buddhist monastery

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals excluded: morning included.
    Transport : 25 minutes flight (Pokhara), 3 hours drive (Kimchel).
    Elevation Gain: 360M. Elevation loss: 00. 1 hours walking.

  • D3

    Gandruk - Tadapani (2690 m)

    Our journey continues toward Tadapani, a name that means ‘far water’ in Nepali. We climb again to reach the Komrong Danda pass, then follow a scenic balcony trail through the traditional villages of Melanje and Chiule at about 2,050 meters. From here, the path becomes steeper and leads us into a forest of tall rhododendron trees, which bloom beautifully from March onward. Tadapani sits high on a ridge, offering dramatic views of the deep valley stretching toward the Annapurna Sanctuary. Above it all, Annapurna III (7,555 m) and Gangapurna (7,454 m) rise proudly on the horizon

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included : morning noon evening.
    Elevation Gain: 750 M. Elevation loss: 100. 5/6 hours walking.

  • D4

    Tadapani- Dobato(3450 m)

    After breakfast, we leave the well-trodden trail to Ghorepani behind and take a lesser-known path, used mostly by locals. The trail ascends gently through a dense forest of rhododendrons, creating a tunnel of greenery. As we climb higher, the forest gives way to open pastures where water buffalo graze, short grass here is highly valued by the nearby villages. As we break above the tree line, beautiful views of the Annapurna range unfold before us. We end the day in the quiet hamlet of Dobato, where we spend the night.

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included:  morning noon evening.
    Elevation Gain: 800 M. Elevation loss: 90. 4/5 hours walking.

  • D5

    Dobato - Muldai viewpoint (3630) - Dobato - Chistibung (3000 m)

    We set out before dawn to catch the sunrise, moving quietly through a shadowy rhododendron forest. As we reach the summit, the majestic Dhaulagiri appears in the morning light, joined by stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the iconic Machapuchare. The Muldai viewpoint rivals the famous Poon Hill but without the crowds. After soaking in the panorama, we descend to the lodge. Following breakfast, the trail leads us toward Chistibung along a scenic ridgeline. We cross small passes before making a long descent through more rhododendron forest to the valley floor, then continue with a steady climb - still surrounded by the vibrant colors and towering trunks of the rhododendrons.

    NB:  For the Muldai view point, up/down1 hour: and  4 to 5 hours to reach Chistibung.

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included:  morning noon evening.
    Elevation Gain: 300 M. Elevation loss: 700 M. 4/5 hours walking.

  • D6

    Chistibung - Khopra Danda (3,660?m) - Hike to 4,000?m

    The day begins with a pleasant ascent through a peaceful rhododendron forest. The trail follows the path leading to Khayar Lake, a sacred site visited by thousands of pilgrims in August. The final stretch before reaching Khopra Community Lodge is steeper but rewarded with breathtaking views: Annapurna South rises nearby, while Fang, Nilgiri, and the majestic Dhaulagiri range tower over the deep Kali Gandaki valley.

    After lunch, there is the option for a hike to Khayar Lake (4,025?m), an important pilgrimage site. The goal of the day is to reach a viewpoint at around 4,000?m, offering exceptional panoramas of the surrounding peaks. Afterwards, return to the lodge to enjoy the calm and serenity of the high mountains.

    Accommodation: lodge. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

    Practical information:

    • Ascent to Khopra Ridge: 2-3 hours, +650?m

    • Optional hike to 4,000?m: about 3 hours round trip


  • D7

    Khopra - Swanta (2200 m)

    Today is a long descent all the way to Swanta. We retrace our steps to Chistibung, following a pleasant and easy-to-follow path. Eventually, we arrive at the picturesque hamlet of Swanta, set among terraced rice fields, providing a peaceful end to the day’s walk. This area is rich in wildlife, so keep your eyes open - you might spot the Himalayan tahr, a sure-footed mountain goat, or the colourful Danphe pheasant, Nepal’s national bird.

    Accommodation: Lodge.  Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation Gain: 220 M. Elevation loss: 1640 M. 5/6 hours walking

  • D8

    Swanta - Mohare viewpoint Dada (3320 m)

    After a warm breakfast, we begin a gentle descent to a small river, pausing to see a traditional watermill, an important source of power for the local villages. We cross a well-used path to Ghorepani and then turn south onto a quieter trail. Passing through a beautiful tropical forest, we reach NakakoBisaune Pass at 2,670 metres, and continue to the small hamlet of Phulbari at 2,925 metres, where we stop for lunch in a peaceful mountain setting. In the afternoon, we make a final climb to the high ridge connecting Poon Hill with Mohare Danda. The views are spectacular, with the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs stretching out before us. Following the ridge, with the majestic Dhaulagiri always in sight, we arrive at the Mohare Danda Community Lodge

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation Gain: 1140 M. Elevation loss: 160 M. 5/6 hours walking

  • D9

    Mohare viewpoint -Pokhara

    After enjoying the sunrise, the trek continues along beautiful ridges with rhododendron and tropical forests, before descending steeply to the village of Ulleri via long stone steps. After lunch in Ulleri, you will take jeeps to Pokhara.

    Accommodation: Hotel. Meals included: morning noon.
    Transport : 3 hours drive
    Elevation gain: 1260 m. Elevation loss: 72 m. 3 hours walking.

  • D10

    Pokhara - Kathmandu

    After breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu. The scenic journey along the Prithvi Highway takes approximately six to seven hours.

    Accommodation: Hotel. Meals included: morning noon.
    Transport : 6-7 hours drive (Kathmandu).

  • D11

    Kathmandu - Souvenirs day | Sightseeing Day.

    If you choose sightseeing, this full-day cultural tour offers a well-rounded experience of Kathmandu’s history, spirituality, and art, guided by a certified expert who will enrich your understanding of the city’s unique heritage.

    Suggested itinerary (maximum three sites per day):

    - Swayambunath
    - Bhaktapur
    - Boudhanath
    - Patan Durbar Square
    - Kathmandu Durbar Square

     The price includes a certified cultural guide, a reserved vehicle, and a professional driver for the day.

    Pricing per person:

      2 - 3 People: €70
      4 - 6 People: €50
      7 - 10 People: €35
      11 - 15 + People: €30        

  • D12

    Final Departure / Back to Native Land

    According to your flight schedule, we will drive you to the airport for your onward journey.

Information

    • Best Time & Best Weather
    • Tips & Gratitude
    • Personal Expenses & Currency
    • what's not included
    • what's included
    • Best Treks, Food & Accommodation
    • Altitude Sickness, Risks & Prevention
    • Know About Nepal
    • Emergency Contacts & Safety
    • Electronics & Communication
    • Navigation & Safety Gear
    • First Aid Kit & Medication
    • optional but useful gear
    • Trekking gears & equipment
    • Trail-specific footwear
    • Trekking Essentials

Group Departures

  • All Years
  • 2026
  • 2027
  • All Months
  • March
  • April
  • October
  • November
Dates
Status
2nd November, 2026 - 13th November, 2026
Limited
17th March, 2027 - 28th March, 2027
Limited
20th March, 2027 - 31st March, 2027
Limited
5th April, 2027 - 16th April, 2027
Limited
18th April, 2027 - 29th April, 2027
Limited
7th October, 2027 - 18th October, 2027
Limited
20th October, 2027 - 31st October, 2027
Limited
6th November, 2027 - 17th November, 2027
Limited
18th November, 2027 - 29th November, 2027
Limited

FAQs

1What is the typical itinerary for the Khopra Ridge trek?
Standard Khopra Ridge trek lasts 7-10 days, starting from Nayapul or Ghandruk and passing through Birethanti, Ghorepani, Swanta, Khopra Danda and sometimes Khayar Lake, before descending via Tatopani or Dobato.
2Can I combine Khopra Ridge with other treks?
Yes, Khopra Ridge is often combined with the Poon Hill trek or extended to Annapurna Base Camp for a longer adventure.
3What are the main scenic highlights of the Khopra Ridge trek?
Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre; peaceful alpine ridges; and the optional hike to Khayar Lake are major highlights.
4What makes Khopra Ridge different from Poon Hill or ABC treks?
Khopra Ridge is less crowded, offers a higher ridge experience with better solitude and features spectacular views with a more local feel.
5How difficult is the Khopra Ridge trek?
It is considered moderate in difficulty. The trail includes some steep ascents, especially toward Khopra Danda, but no technical climbing is required.
6Do I need trekking experience?
No, prior experience is necessary, but a good fitness level is recommended.
7What accommodations are available along the trail?
Basic teahouses and community-run lodges are available at most stops, with more rustic facilities at higher altitudes like Khopra Danda.
8What gear should I pack for the trek?
Essentials include hiking boots, warm layers, a rain jacket, headlamp, water bottle and sleeping bag. Trekking poles are also useful for steep sections.
9Is there interesting wildlife on the trail?
Yes! The trail passes through rhododendron forests where you may see Himalayan monals (Nepal's national bird), yaks and occasionally langurs or deer.
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Mingmar S. Sherpa
Mingmar S. Sherpa
Managing Director
Lhakpa Sherpa
Lhakpa Sherpa
Co Director & Guide
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