The Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek, a.k.a Khopra Trek, is one of the off-the-beaten trails in Nepal. The rich diversity of natural beauty, culture, and adventure is a fit combination for the wandering souls who want to experience the rural lifestyle of Nepal.

The Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trekking trail is comparatively new to its contemporary; the Poon Hill Trek. From Tadapani till Swantha, accommodation and services are quite basic at community operated lodges. But you will be contributing towards the local development as the profits from the lodges directly benefit the local community and school.

On the Khopra trek, you will initially follow the popular route from Landruk till Tadapani and then head north as you pass through quiet forests of rhododendron, oaks and firs. As you tread deeper, you will arrive into rolling valleys of budding colourful rural villages. Spending a few days with the people in the region will provide you with insights into coarse mountain life in the far out region.

The Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek is definitely godsend and perfect for adventurers who like to keep it quiet.

The highlight of the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Trek is the view from the Khopra Ridge. You will get to see 22 big mountains out of which 2 are amongst the 14 highest mountains in the world – Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The Annapurna massif feels like an arm’s distance (even closer than on the Annapurna Base Camp trek) while Dhaulagiri rests right in front of you. Machapuchare, a.k.a. Fishtail mountain, sits as glorious as ever with Nilgiri North and South, Himchuli, Gangapurna, and many more. Plus, the view of the Kali Gandaki Gorge is breathtaking .

If you are lucky, you might even get to walk above a bed of clouds while the sun sets far away. There are very few treks in this world where you walk for two whole days on a ridge. Let alone a trek with such astounding mountain views. When you combine these two, the Khopra Ridge becomes a very special trek.

Trip Highlights

• Cultural heritages and beautiful monuments
• Scenic Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight
• Off-the-beaten-path trail
• Beautiful Gurung and Magar villages and their unique distinctive cultures
• View of 22 big mountains from Khopra Ridge

Trip Grade - Moderate

Trip Summary

• Day 1 :Arrive Kathmandu: Meet and Greet
• Day 2 :Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min), drive to Kande (1 hr; 30 km) and trek to Australian Camp (2 hrs; 2,060 m)
• Day 3 :Trek from Australian Camp to Landruk (5 hrs; 1,640 m)
• Day 4 :Trek from Landruk to Ghandruk (4-5 hrs; 2,050 m)
• Day 5 :Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani (4 hrs; 2,650 m)
• Day 6 :Trek from Tadapani to Bayli Kharka (5-6 hrs; 3,420 m)
• Day 7 :Trek from Bayli Kharka to Chistibung (3-4 hrs; 3,100 m)
• Day 8 :Trek from Chistibung to Kopra Danda (2 hrs; 3,660 m)
• Day 9 :Kopra ridge walk and gorge and trek back to Chistibung (2 hrs; 3,100 m)
• Day 10 :Trek from Chistibung to Swantha (5-6 hrs; 2,400 m)
• Day 11 :Trek from Swantha to Ghorepani (4-5 hrs; 2,874 m)
• Day 12 :Trek from Ghorepani to Ulleri (3-4 hrs; 1,950 m)
• Day 13 :Drive from Ulleri to Pokhara on a 4x4 (2.5 hrs; 52 km)
• Day 14 :Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist Bus (205km; 6-7 hrs)
• Day 15 :End of trip: Departure

Daily Movements

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu: Meet and Greet

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Keep Walking Nepal who will drop you off at your hotel. After check-in, depending upon what time you arrive, you can take a rest or stroll the streets of Thamel, a popular tourist hub in Kathmandu, for souvenir shopping.

In the evening there is a welcome dinner hosted by Keep Walking Nepal where you can sample delicious authentic Nepalese cuisine.

Overnight in Kathmandu (D)

 

Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min), drive to Kande (1 hr; 30 km) and trek to Australian Camp (2 hrs; 2,060 m)

You will leave Kathmandu for Pokhara on an early morning flight with close-up views of Annapurna and other mountains.

From Pokhara you will drive to Kande, get some lunch and then hike to Australian Camp. The hike is rewarding as you traverse pass through paddy fields, forest, and suspension bridge with views of the Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre in the distant.

Overnight at a local lodge in Australian Camp (B,L,D)

 

Day 3: Trek from Australian Camp to Landruk (5 hrs; 1,640 m)

After a stunning mountain sunrise looking at Annapurna South and Macchapuchare, you will follow the trails ascending towards Potana with occasional descends through the forest and small village settlements.

You will pass the village of Tolka and Beri Kharka superb views of the Annapurna South. The trail  then descends through scattered forests and villages to the Gurung village of Landrunk.

Overnight at a local lodge in Landruk (B,L,D)

 

Day 4: Trek from Landruk to Ghandruk (4-5 hrs; 2,050 m)

The village of Gandruk is visible just across the valley from Landruk.

Then, the trail begins with a steep descent towards the Modi Khola (river) for about an hour, followed by a steep ascent of 2-3 hours through scattered villages to Ghandruk, with great views of the Himalaya en route.

Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung settlements in western Nepal with great views of Gangapura, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna.

Overnight at a local lodge in Ghandruk (B,L,D)

 

Day 5: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani (4 hrs; 2,650 m)

In the morning you can visit the local medical clinic and museum.

The trail is mainly stone stairway until the exit of Ghandruk followed by a mix of stone stairs and forest trail until a bridge. After the bridge, the trail ascends on a steep stone stairs to Bhaisi Kharka (buffalo pasture) and then an easy forest trail till Tadapani.

Overnight at a local lodge in Tadapani (B,L,D)

 

Day 6: Trek from Tadapani to Bayli Kharka (5-6 hrs; 3,420 m)

After breakfast; you will take the off-the-beaten trail as you ascend through oak and rhododendron forest to the ridgeline for stunning views of Annapurna South and Himchuli.

The landscape changes dramatically as you climb through lush rhododendron forest and water buffalo pastures and above the tree line for grand views of the Annapurna range.

After lunch break, you will continue to Bayli Kharka where view of Dhaulagiri awaits you.

Overnight at a community lodge in Bayli Kharka (B,L,D)

 

Day 7: Trek from Bayli Kharka to Chistibung (3-4 hrs; 3,100 m)

During the first-leg of the hike, the trail descends through open flats and forests to the pastures of Lower Chistibung.

The trail then gradually ascends to Upper Chistibung, a temporary herder’s settlement. If you are lucky, along the way, you might see the colorful Danphe (the national bird of Nepal) and the Himalayan Thar on the grassy ridge high above the trail.

Overnight at a community lodge in Chistibung (B,L,D)

 

Day 8: Trek from Chistibung to Kopra Danda (2 hrs; 3,660 m)

Get ready for a steady climb above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures to Khopra Ridge.

From Chistibung, the trail ascends 2 hours to ascend above the tree-line to the ridge at Kopra. The top offers a full view of Dhaulagiri, Damphus Peak, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna 1, Annapurna South, while a short hike along the ridge offers a peek into the depths of the Kali Gandaki Gorge.

Overnight at a community lodge in Khopra (B,L,D)

 

Day 9: Kopra ridge walk and gorge and trek back to Chistibung (2 hrs; 3,100 m)

It is the highest point of the trek. The views on the way change constantly as you climb around the valley.

You will have plenty of time to take in the views back down the valleys before heading to Chistibung.

Overnight at a community lodge in Chistibung (B,L,D)

 

Day 10: Trek from Chistibung to Swantha (5-6 hrs; 2,400 m)

After some breakfast you will descend through a forest of rhododendron, maple and oak trees towards Swantha. The small village lies on a gentle hill slope surrounded by paddy and potato fields while overlooking the Dhaulagiri range.

Overnight at a local lodge in Swantha (B,L,D)

 

Day 11: Trek from Swantha to Ghorepani (4-5 hrs; 2,874 m)

You will descend through the paddy fiels to the Modi Khola river. Once across the river, you will head upwards to the village of Chittre, where you will join the main trekking trail.

From Chittre, the trail ascends on stone steps to Ghorepani. Ghorepani means “Horse Water” in local dialect and was the watering hole for caravans journeying through the ancient Tibet trade route.

Overnight at a local lodge in Ghorepani (B,L,D)

 

Day 12: Trek from Ghorepani to Ulleri (3-4 hrs; 1,950 m)

Today you will be walking mostly downhill through oak and rhododendron forest to the village of Ulleri.

Overnight at a local lodge in Ulleri (B,L,D)

 

Day 13: Drive from Ulleri to Pokhara on a 4x4 (2.5 hrs; 52 km)

After breakfast, you will drive on a 4×4 to Pokhara where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at a lakeside hotel in Pokhara (B,L,D)

 

Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist Bus (205km; 6-7 hrs)

You will drive to Kathmandu via shared tourist bus. The bus leaves Pokhara at around 07:00.

You will drive along the Prithivi highway till Mugling and then follow the Tribhuwan highway to Kathamandu. The drive is scenic with views of the famous Trishuli river. During rafting season, there will be many groups rafting on the Trishuli river sect9ion from Fishling to Charaudi.

At Kathmandu, you will have the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hotel Tibet (B)

 

Day 15: End of trip: Departure

Your journey comes to an end today. If you have time, you can go shopping or sightseeing on your own or requested a sightseeing tour through Keep Walking Nepal.

A representative from the Keep Walking Nepal will drop you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

Meals (B)

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