The Khopra Danda (Ridge) is located northeast of Pokhara in the north-central area of Nepal  bordering the Myagdi and Kaski districts. The Khopra Ridge trek begins from the beautiful valleys of  Ghandruk and ends at Nayapul

Sarki Sherpa Mountain Leader

Sep 06,2022

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Off The Beaten Trails of Khopra

The Khopra Danda (Ridge) is located northeast of Pokhara in the north-central area of Nepal bordering the Myagdi and Kaski districts. The Khopra Ridge trek begins from the beautiful valleys of Ghandruk and ends at Nayapul. The stops on the way offer a sight to behold with majestic landscapes and a culture that is equally spellbinding. This trekking experience offers a complete package combining nature and culture into a short and easy journey.

The journey starts from Ghandruk which is a humble village northwest of Pokhara. Ghandruk valley is known for its views of the Annapurna and its unique Gurung community. Trekking through the rhododendron forests, we move from Ghandruk to Tadapani and to the remote area of Dobato which has a diverse range of flora and fauna. From there, a four to five-hour trek takes us to the Upper Chistibung. A steady climb and a total of three to four-hour trek take us to our destination- the Khopra Ridge. The Khopra ridge is a small mountain settlement, high above the Kali Gandaki valleys which offers panoramic views of the peaks of Annapurna and Nilgiri.

The Khopra ridge trek is a 13-day trek and every day you get a deeper insight into the nature, geography, and climate of Nepal. The ridge offers views of the mountains Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Bhara Shikhar (7,647m), Annapurna (8,091m), Macchapuchhre (6,997m) up close. Along the way, you come across forests adorned with the national flower of Nepal- the Rhododendron; white, red, and pink flowers veil the hills.

The forests are a safe haven for diverse wildlife, and trekking along the way, you. get to witness this diversity. The Upper Chistibung region is also the breeding grounds of the colorful national bird of Nepal - the Lhophophorous, and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of its colorful feathers. Along with its natural diversity, this trek is also of great cultural significance.

The main inhabitants of this region are the Gurungs who make up a large population of Nepal. Staying in the community lodges, you gain a better insight into this unique community, its culture, and its way of living. As the journey proceeds, you come across many monasteries that hold a story of their own.

Interacting with the locals of this place, you hear mesmerizing stories and memories that stay with you for a lifetime. One of the significant spots of our journey is Khayer Lake at 4500m. Although lesser known among the trekkers, this peaceful lake is a sacred pilgrimage for both the Hindus and Buddhists of Nepal. The best time for the Khopra Ridge trek is during autumn ( September- October) and spring (May - March) as the weather during this time is very suitable and the visibility of the mountains is high. Many trekkers choose the autumn season to trek here because the mountains can be clearly seen during this time.

The Khopra Ridge trek has a moderate level of difficulty and a maximum altitude of 4500m. So, it is the perfect trek for beginners as well as for regular trekkers. As the trek is quite easy, it can be done by people of a wider age range and with moderate physical fitness.

To sum up, the Khopra Ridge is a complete vacationing package, offering a wide range of activities from cultural tours, and mountain sightseeing to a diverse ecological experience. With its high cultural, religious, and natural significance, it is no doubt that the Khopra trek is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.