Khopra Ridge Luxury Trek
Overview
The Khopra Ridge trek is an emerging luxury alternative in the Annapurna region, combining the famous Poon Hill sunrise with a dramatic ridge walk to Khopra Danda and the sacred Khayer Lake. Managed by community lodges, this trek offers breathtaking Dhaulagiri and Annapurna views, a pristine alpine lake at 4,500m, and far fewer trekkers than nearby routes for an intimate Himalayan experience.
Route
Kathmandu → Pokhara → Nayapul → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Khopra Ridge → Khayer Lake → Swanta → Nayapul → Pokhara → Kathmandu
Highlights
- Sunrise from Khopra Ridge with panoramic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna views
- Visit sacred Khayer Lake (4,500m) — a holy Hindu pilgrimage site
- Stay in community-managed lodges supporting local livelihoods
- Combine with Poon Hill for two of the best viewpoints in the Annapurna region
- Far fewer trekkers than Poon Hill or ABC for a peaceful experience
- Walk through diverse landscapes from subtropical to alpine in days
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 2-8 guests
- Max Altitude
- 3,660m
- Best Months
- March-May, October-December
- Starting From
- $1,800 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly to Pokhara
Morning flight to Pokhara. Transfer to lakeside luxury resort. Afternoon briefing.
Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Tikhedhunga
Drive to Nayapul trailhead. Trek through rice paddies and villages to Tikhedhunga.
Trek to Ghorepani
Climb the 3,300 stone steps to Ulleri, continue through oak and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani on the ridge.
Poon Hill Sunrise, Trek to Chistibang
Pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for the famous sunrise panorama. Return for breakfast, then head south on the Khopra Ridge trail — a quiet path that most trekkers never see. Trek through pristine forest to Chistibang.
Trek to Khopra Ridge
Continue along the ridge through rhododendron and oak forest. The trail emerges above the tree line onto Khopra Danda (Khopra Ridge) — a dramatic viewpoint with sweeping views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and the deep Kali Gandaki gorge far below.
Excursion to Khayer Lake
Early morning hike to sacred Khayer Lake (4,500m) — a pristine alpine lake considered holy by Hindus, who believe Lord Shiva resides here. The lake sits in a dramatic cirque with Annapurna South rising behind. Return to Khopra Ridge. Extraordinary sunset views.
Trek to Swanta
Descend from the ridge through forest to the charming Magar village of Swanta. Visit the community lodge and interact with the warm local community.
Trek to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara
Final trek descending to Nayapul via Kimche. Private vehicle transfer to Pokhara. Celebration lakeside lunch. Afternoon at leisure.
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon free.
Departure
Private airport transfer for your international departure.
What's Included
- All accommodation in community lodges and luxury hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Private licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu domestic flights
- Nayapul transfers by private vehicle
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Airport transfers in private vehicle
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and cold beverages
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide, porters, and hotel staff
Find Your Flights
Main international gateway to Nepal. Most flights connect via Doha, Istanbul, or Delhi. Direct flights available from select Asian cities.
Typical airlines: Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Air India, FlyDubai
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.