Khopra Ridge Trek

Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara

• Travel time: 8 to 10 hours
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Distance: 200 km / 124 miles

Leaving Kathmandu in the early morning the road winds its way out of the Kathmandu Valley following the Trisuli River until the turn off for Pokhara at Mugling. 

Then, the road becomes more flat for the final few hours into Pokhara.  You will reach Pokhara in the afternoon, with time to walk along and explore the lakeside area with its many restaurants, cafes and shops.

Day 2: Pokhara to Naya Pool (Drive) and  trek to Tadapani

• Drive time:3 hours
• Trek time: 3 hours
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Distance: 65km / 40.5 miles (Drive) / 6 km / 3.7 Trek

After breakfast, it is around a 3-hour drive to Naya Pool, where, after a short tea or lunch break, you start hiking towards your first overnight stop on the trek at Tadapani. 

While you will have been seeing Mt Machhapuchhre, commonly known as Fishtail because of its shape, from your arrival in Pokhara, now you feel like you really are in the heart of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. 

Day 3: Tadapani to Bayeli Kharka

• Travel time: 6 hours
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Distance: 5.8km / 3.6

This route has fewer trekkers as it is just off the main trekking trails of the Annapurnas, which is a bonus. Hike through rhododendron forests, which are very colorful in the spring. When you pass through the forests and go higher than the tree line, the views of the mountains become wonderfully clear.

Today, there is quite a rise in elevation, so you should pay close attention to how your body feels as you make the ascents and descents along the trail.

From Bayeli Kharka the views of Dhaulagiri are stunning.  At  8,167 m / 26,795 ft, Dhaulagiri is the 7^th highest mountain in the world.

Day 4: Bayali Kharka to Upper Chistibung

• Travel time: 4 hours
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles

Today, hike down through green pastures with grazing buffalos and then through forestlands. The drop in altitude may lighten your breathing, allowing you to enjoy this short trek even more.

You are surrounded by the wonderful Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and if the weather is just right, you may get to see Mt Manaslu in the distance. 

Did you know the national bird of Nepal is the Danphe? This bird is from the pheasant family and is very colorful, with green, blue, purple, and metallic tinges in its plumage. That’s the males; the females are quieter in their brown and grey coloring! You may be able to spot some on this section of the trek. 

You will reach Upper Chistibung by lunchtime and have a chance to explore the surrounding areas, search for the Danphe and other birdlife, and enjoy this small settlement.

Day 5: Upper Chistibung to Khopra Ridge

• Travel time: 4 hours
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Distance: 3.5km / 2.2 miles

After breakfast, set off towards Khopra Ridge. You will be climbing back up in altitude across a number of small streams as you head to the ridge, which offers stunning views of the Dhaulagiri Range. The mountains most on display include Annapurna South and Annapurna I, Nilgiri South and North, Tukuche, and those in the Dhaulagiri range. 

It is the perfect place to take great photographs and videos of the mountains, meditate, or let go of all the stress in this majestic setting.

Day 6: Upper Chistibung to Khopra Ridge

• Travel time: 9 hours
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Distance: 18 km /11.18 miles

After breakfast, set out to hike to Khayer Lake—one of the highlights of this trip. The lake sits in a glacial cirque with the mountains surrounding it. Considered sacred by the local people, Hindu pilgrims visit this lake during certain festivals. 

This is a strenuous trek with a steep incline over much loose gravel and rock, so care should be taken and plenty of breaks on the way. With an elevation gain of approximately 1,800m / 5,900 m, it is extremely tiring in terms of altitude and hiking.

A small tea shop may be open near the lake, but we will take a packed lunch with us anyway. Then we return to Khopra Ridge to overnight there again.

Day 7: Khopra Ridge to Swata Village

• Travel time: 6 hours
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Distance: 9.6 km  5.9 miles

The trail starts by descending through beautiful rhododendron forests until you reach open meadows and agricultural land. Once again, the hike feels less strenuous as you drop altitude.

Swanta village is a traditional village mainly inhabited by Gurung people.  Gurung people originally migrated from Tibet hundreds of years ago and are now one of the largest ethnic groups in Nepal.  You may be aware that the Gurung people comprise most of the Gurkha soldiers famed for participating in the Nepal, Indian, and British armies and the UN Peacekeeping Force. 

The views from the village are wonderful, and there is plenty of time to explore or gaze at the mountains. We believe there is a community cheese ‘factory’ in this village where you may be able to purchase some cheese. That will certainly make a difference to your dinner tonight!

Day 8: Swata Village to Ulleri

• Travel time: 5 hours
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Distance: 9 km/  5.6 miles

It’s a lovely trek today through the now very familiar feel of rhododendron forests, along streams, and with some waterfalls to admire. But the main highlight today is the traditional villages and friendly people. 

Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Himchuli are on display, as is the Dhaulagiri range. The weather is getting warm at this low altitude, adding to the enjoyment.  

As you near Ulleri village, you will see more and more trekkers as you approach the main Annapurna Circuit route.

Overnight in Ulleri in one of the very comfortable teahouses to be found there.

Day 9: Ulleri to Naya Pool (trek) and Nayapool to Pokhara(drive)

• Trek time: 3 hours
• Travel time:3 hours
• Accommodation: Teahouse
• Trek Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
• Travel Distance: 45.4 km / 28.2 miles

Our final day on the trek so enjoy a leisurely breakfast with your trekking family before starting out on the mainly downhill trail.  Today you will have to face the infamous steps – hundreds of stone steps which will put stress on your knees and stay in your memory forever!

As you pass through villages and reach Naya Pool, the mountains still follow you as you take your last breath of mountain air before boarding your transport back to Pokhara.

Reaching Pokhara in the late afternoon, there is still time to stroll along the lake shore, enjoy boating on the lake, or climb up (if energy allows) to the Peace Pagoda for a stunning Fewa Lake view and sunset before dinner. Over dinner, celebrate your achievement. And look, there is Fishtail Mountain still dominating the skyline!

What a Typical Day Looks Like on this Trek 

Breakfast is normally served early, so you can be on the trail by around 8 a.m., sometimes even earlier! However, at higher altitudes, the mornings will be chilly, and you should dress warmly in layers so you can peel off what you don’t need as the sun warms up.

With this trek passing through many forests and pasturelands the temperatures will vary throughout the day as you pass from shade to sun.

Lunch is taken in small teahouses along the trail, and if it is possible to stop for tea at any place, it is great to take that opportunity, breathe, and enjoy the views. There is always time to photograph the views or soak up the atmosphere, particularly on this trek where the days are relatively short.

You will reach your overnight stay in the afternoon where there is time to explore the village or relax over a cup of something before dinner. 

Dinner is served in the communal dining room, which is warm and comfortable. Before retiring, you can recharge your electronics at this time of day. 

It is worth noting that sleeping rooms do not have heating or sockets to charge items.  The dining room is definitely the heart of the teahouse and the social hub on a trek! 

Arrival in Nepal

If you would like us to collect you from the international airport upon your arrival in Nepal, please indicate this on the booking form. Please note that there is a small charge for this.

Our representative will be there at the arrivals exit and escort you by car to your hotel.

Hotel Recommendations

Included in your trek are the two nights stay in a hotel in Pokhara,  and the overnights teahouses on the trail. Your hotel in Kathmandu is yours to choose from.  Booking.com or hostelworld.com lists the many hotels you can find in the tourist area of Kathmandu.  This area is known as Thamel.  Thamel has many restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy along with a wide range of hotels.  There is plenty of shopping – shops range from those for trekking gear and souvenirs to those for purchasing food items.

Explore Kathmandu:

There is much to see and do in Kathmandu, from the ancient monuments to the modern shopping centres and cinemas. No doubt you are more interested in the ancient. We suggest you spend at least a day taking in the main sights such as Boudhanath (a Buddhist area), Pashupatinath (Hindu temples and ghats), Swayambhunath (a combined Buddhist and Hindu site overlooking the city), and many more.

If you would like us to give you a tour of the city, please ask us about the cost of this tour—half-day or full-day. If there is anything, in particular, you would like to see, such as the ancient town of Bhaktapur, the center of which is closed to traffic, making it very walkable, please also ask us about that.

Visa for Nepal

Visas on arrival are available for people from most countries via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s online site.   Complete the form, print it out, and bring it with you.  Bring USD cash (exact money) to make the payment upon arrival at the airport. 

Visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days, or 3 months and costs: 

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

Trekking Permit You Need 

Unfortunately, your tourist visa does not include a permit to trek in the country. Each trekking area requires a different permit.

For the Khopra Ridge Trek, you will require an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, which will cost you Nrs3,000 / USD25. The permit can be obtained in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you are trekking with us, we will make the arrangements for that permit for you.

This permit is valid for the time you spend in the ACAP area, even if you extend your trek. However, it is a single-entry permit only.

Why an ACAP Permit?

The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) oversees several conservation areas in Nepal. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project, established in 1986, is the largest conservation and protected area. 

The Annapurna Conservation Area is quite unique. Home to people of different cultures and languages, it is also unique in flora and fauna, with 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 species of mammals, 40 species of reptiles, 23 species of amphibians, and 518 types of birds. 

Of course, what draws most visitors to the ACAP area is the mountains. Many of the mountains found here are among the highest in the world. In modern times, visitors have taken to trekking in these areas, and over the past few decades, a whole network of wonderful treks has grown up. This has brought money into the area but has also brought some modern-day problems, such as dealing with non-biodegradable garbage. 

To help solve this and other problems associated with tourism, NTNC established an integrated community-based conservation and development plan and approach, which was implemented in the whole ACAP area in 1992.  

To help fund this approach, ACAP has the authority to collect the fees from trekkers.  This is where your permit money goes!

Goal: The overall goal of ACAP is “To achieve a sustained balance between nature conservation and socio-economic improvement in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), thereby assisting the National Trust for Nature Conservation in achieving its goal.”

Objectives of Conversation Area in Nepal:

• Conserve the natural resources of ACA to benefit present and future generations.
• Bring sustainable social and economic development to the local people.
• Develop tourism with minimal negative impact on the natural, socio-cultural, and economic environments. 

Unique Culture and Wildlife on the Khopra Ridge Trek 

Landscapes: Covering several different administrative districts, the Annapurna region is amazingly unique in its location, landscapes, and flora and fauna.

It has many record-holding natural beauty—one of the deepest gorges in the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the largest rhododendron forest in the world, the 8th highest mountain in the world (Manaslu), and the world’s highest freshwater lake (Tilicho Tal).

Peoples: As you might expect, the people are as varied as the landscapes. Some of the ethnic groups are Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Manange—all of whom originally migrated from Tibet a very long time ago. These groups are either Buddhist or still practice the pre-Buddhist traditions of Bon. 

Wildlife: The wildlife in this area includes mammals only found in Nepal, such as the Himalayan Tahr (a wild goat), goral (another type of wild goat), pika (a rabbit-like rodent), Himalayan marmots, and the very rare and difficult-to-spot snow leopard and red panda. The latter two live more in remote high northern parts, such as the Tsum Valley.

Birds: Even if birdwatching is not your passion, you can’t fail to notice the wide varieties of different colored birds in this area.

What to Expect – Food and Accommodation

Meals on the Trek

Breakfast and dinner in the teahouses on the Khopra Ridge Trek are included in your trek. Lunches are taken at smaller places on the trail or perhaps as a packed lunch, depending on the day’s activity. Breakfast (not dinner) is included in Pokhara.

If you wish to eat more on your trek—and note that meals are normally very substantial—you will have to pay for that yourself. 

Breakfast and dinner are taken in the teahouses (trekking lodges) where you sleep, and menus in these teahouses are pretty much the same everywhere. Emphasis will be on Nepali and Tibetan/ Chinese dishes, with a few Western ones, too.

Breakfast items:

• Porridge
• Eggs
• Toast
• Pancakes
• Rice dishes
• Noodles dishes
• Tea/ coffee

Dinner items:

• Soup
• Thukpa (Tibetan soup with flat noodles)
• Nepali Dal Bhat (vegetable curry and rice)
• Fried rice
• Noodles
• Momos (very popular Nepali steamed dumplings)
• Chicken and buff items (although if you are new to Nepal we suggest you avoid these)
• Apple pie (may be available in the apple season and at busier places such as Ulleri)
• Rice pudding
• Custard pudding

Lunch items:

It is quite similar to the dinner items but with a more limited choice in some places.

Drinks:

Tea, coffee, soft drinks, fruit juice if available, beer, water. (Cost not included.)

Dietary restrictions:

All across Nepal, vegetarians will find plenty of food, as the national dish, Dal Bhat, is basically vegetable curry and rice. In fact, eating meat is reserved mainly for festivals and celebrations. Vegans should perhaps bring some protein bars with them as there is less available for them. Tofu may be available at some teahouses, but it is not guaranteed. 

If you have a special diet, please advise us and your guide well beforehand so we can let the teahouses know in advance.  We recommend you provide us with a list of anything you simply cannot take because of allergies.

Tips on Food:

• Carry snacks such as dried fruit and nuts, power, and chocolate bars. 
• Do not eat meat or chicken unless you know your stomach is used to eating in Nepal.
• Tell the teahouse staff not to make your food spicy—they probably won’t, but if you have a delicate stomach, it’s best to let them know.
• Try not to skip meals.  Energy is required on the trek so eating is a must.  If you cannot face a full meal, get out your snacks or ask for toast and jam.

Water on the Trek

Please do not drink the tap water or natural spring water untreated or unfiltered.  Upstream may be a herd of animals or a settlement using that same spring water.  

Bring your own life straw and/ or purifying drops or tablets. After 30 minutes, you can drink your locally sourced water treated with drops or tablets.

Tips on Water:

• Commercial mineral water in plastic bottles is banned in the Annapurna region. Bring your reusable bottles or water camels to store water in. 
• Drink 4 liters of water per day to avoid dehydration. Consider drinking tea, coffee, and soft drinks in addition to these 4 liters.

Accommodation on the Trek

There are now some community lodges on this trek as well as teahouses.  While on the main Annapurna trekking routes – those treks that have been in operation for decades – teahouses are now becoming quite sophisticated, the traditional, more basic lodges are found along the Khopra Ridge Trek.

We may use a mix of community lodges and teahouses, depending on availability.

What is a Community Lodge?

These are similar to home stays but are usually separate accommodation / building from the family home.  They are run by the families of the village they are in are provide direct income to the community.  Facilities are very basic, with shared bathrooms and dormitory type sleeping accommodation.

The advantage is that it gives you, the visitor, an insight into the local way of life as you can interact with the family.  The benefit to the community is of course the income.

The disadvantage to you is that food will be more basic (dal bhat and noodles), the teahouses have a more social atmosphere where you meet other trekkers, and Community Lodges are few and may not have room in the location you wish.

Even in teahouses, accommodation can be basic, two single beds in a room, however they are more likely to have WiFi, hot showers and a more extensive menu. 

Tips on Accommodation:

• There is no heating in the sleeping rooms.
• Bathrooms may be shared.
• The dining room is the centre of social activity.
• Please note the kitchen is off-limits unless you are invited in.
• Expect to pay for hot water for the shower and to recharge your electronics.  Expect to pay around USD2 – 5 per time.
• Carrying your own sleeping bag is a good idea, especially if staying in a Community Lodge.

You May Want to Consider a Porter for this Trek 

Regardless as to where you are trekking in Nepal, we recommend that unless you are used to carrying your own pack in similar conditions, you hire a porter. 

You may feel, that since the cost of a porter is an extra cost to you (not included in the trek price) you want to save the money.  In which case, if there is someone on the same trek who would like to share a porter, you have the best of both worlds.  It is cheaper to share the cost, and you do not have to carry your pack.  Keep in mind if sharing a porter you will need to keep your pack down to under 10kg each.

Naturally the advantage of hiring a porter is that not only do you not have to carry 10/15kg of weight with you, you can concentrate more on your feet (if the path is tricky) and the mountain views without hindrance.

Remember you will be carrying your day pack, of maybe 3 to 4 kg, even if you hire a porter.

Tips on Hiring a Porter

• A porter can carry a maximum of 20kg, but it is good if you pack lighter than that. We will provide you with a duffle bag specially designed for our porters.  
• Sharing with another trekker is  cost-effective.  But keep your pack under 10kg.  
• Porters will walk ahead and meet you at the overnight spot. Meaning you do need to carry what you need during the day in your own day pack.  
• By hiring a porter you are contributing to his family’s income and the trickle-down effect this has on his community.
• If you are unsure if you need a porter or not – based on long experience of guiding trekkers – we believe you do.

How Difficult is the Khopra Ridge Trek?

This is a moderate trek, not too technical, days are not too long, and the altitude is not to high.

However, this is the Himalayas. There is one day which is a long hiking day and three days when you will be at altitudes over 3,000m / 9,842.5 ft, which is considered the altitude to start becoming aware of altitude related problems and keep a watch on your body.  However, with the short hiking times, the pace will be slow and relaxed with plenty of breaks.  The guide will ensure you drink enough water and don’t travel too fast.

A good level of general fitness is required for this trek, and we suggest you start increasing your cardio and weight training before you leave for Nepal.

Safety on the Trek

By increasing your stamina and overall fitness before you come to Nepal you will decrease any risks on the trail that might arise due to the lower oxygen content of the air or the ups and downs you will encounter, particularly those hundreds of steps near Ulleri.  Hiking poles are a great way to assist you on difficult parts of the trail.

Regardless as to how fit or experienced you are, buy the correct insurance before coming.  Make sure it covers trekking, and trekking up to 5,000m / 16,404 ft.

Your guide will ensure you don’t get into trouble on the trail, by going the wrong way, walking across dangerous areas without help, etc.  Do let him know if you are going to explore the village when you arrive at the overnight stop, so he knows where you are at all times.   

Go slowly and steadily.  It is not a race, if there are other groups on the trail who overtake you, just let them.  You are there for the beauty of the mountains, not for a sprint.

Drink plenty of water, and eat well.

Have the correct gear – especially on your feet!

Bring a small medical kit with you which contains a few extra days supply of your normal medicines, should you take any, in case of delays.  Also its good to keep some in both your day pack and your main pack in case they get lost/ wet etc.  See our list of gear here for what else should be in your medicine kit.

Be respectful:

Think about how you dress and how you talk, particularly in Community Lodges and at religious sites.  Dress conservatively. You will want to cover up for warmth and/ or to avoid sunburn any way. 

Best Seasons to Visit Khopra Ridge

You will find the best seasons to trek in Nepal are in the spring and autumn.  It is not different for this trek, the clear skies of these two seasons combined with the good weather make spring and autumn just perfect.  At the lower altitudes on the Khopra Ridge Trek, it will be warm, maybe a little too warm when walking briskly, and getting cooler as you rise in elevation. 

Spring: (March to May) The rhododendron forests will be in bloom with colourful flowers. The warm weather makes this time of year a very good time to trek to Khopra Ridge. And its not too cold at the higher altitudes.

Autumn: (September to November) This season is very much like the spring but it will start to cool off towards the end of November.

Monsoon: (June – September) In the monsoon there may be frequent rainy periods. Carry waterproof gear and be prepared for rain.  Some of the trails will be slippery and some of the pastures may be muddy.  On the other hand, it might not rain while you are there and the white clouds in the sky which represent monsoon in Nepal are very beautiful as they hang round the mountain tops.

Winter (December – February):  If you are experienced in trekking in winter you may wish to consider this season. Note it will be cold at higher altitudes and it is likely Community Lodges are closed for this period. 

**We do suggest spring and autumn as the best times because of the clear mountain views, blue skies and good weather.** 

Expenses – Before and During the Trek 

The trek cost is a fixed amount that includes guide, accommodation on the trek and two nights in Pokhara, food, and public transport.  But there are other expenses you should note and bring rupees and dollars (or other currency) to cover.

Currencies:

It is normal to tip your guide and porter and you can use international currencies for that purpose.  

Things like drinks, hot showers, charging your equipment etc should be paid for in Nepali rupees.  Please note there are no ATMs or banks along this route.  Although there are banking facilities in Pokhara, it is wise to change money in Kathmandu when you have more time.   If necessary you can change money again in Pokhara (there are ATMs and money changers) on the return leg of the trip.

Transport: Transport to/from Pokhara by tourist bus is included in the trek price, as is cost of  public transport  to the starting and ending point of the trek.  If you would like to hire a private jeep for any of the road journeys please talk to us.

Food: Three meals a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner, are included when on the trail. Breakfast only is included in Pokhara.  If you wish to eat more or drink soft drinks, extra coffee, beer etc on the trail you will need to pay that yourself. 

In the teahouse:  Paying to charge your items is normal.  Paying for hot showers is also the norm on the treks in Nepal.  It will cost you around USD 2-5 (in rupees) for each charge or each hot shower. Boiled drinking water is also something you have to pay for, so keep the cost down by bringing your own purifying method.  

Tips: Please calculate the tips for your guide and porter.  These can be paid in USD or other currencies. There is no set tipping practice in the teahouses but a small tip to the waitress will be appreciated.  In restaurants in Pokhara and Kathmandu, 10% is a normal tip, but it is not compulsory.

Other expenses on the trail: If you wish to buy anything on the trail, snacks, cheese (!) etc please bring rupees to cover that.

**We can recommend you bring around USD 15 per day, in Nepali rupees, plus the tips for the guide and porter. **

Before you come expenses:  You may – Join a gym.  Get a personal trainer. Go swimming. Hike in your local park.  These may cost you money!

Buying gear, including trekking boots, cost money. 

Flight ticket, visa fee, and insurance also adds up.

Tipping Culture for Guide and Porter

Making your trip as stress-free and enjoyable can be hard work.  Please show your appreciation by tipping your guide and your porter.  Magical Nepal do not deduct anything from our guides or porters – your tips completely go to them.

The rate is to tip the guide 10% of your trip cost.  Porters should be tipped 10% of the total number of days he has carried your gear. For example if he carries your pack for 8 days then 10% of 8 days x daily rate is the tip.  If you are sharing a porter, you can share the tip between you.

Network Access on the Trek 

Many teahouses on this trek have WiFi and good phone network access.  This is not guaranteed as bad weather can interfere with the signal.  Community Lodges may not have Wi-Fi.  Expect to pay for any WiFi you use.

Tips for Communication

• You can buy a NTC or NCELL sim card at the international airport for data internet packages in case of WiFi outage. 

Travel Insurance

Your travel insurance should include trekking up to 5,000 m  /  16,404 ft.  and should cover helicopter evacuation. 

Magical Nepal has insurance for our guides, porters and other staff.  It is not possible for us to cover insurance for our clients, nor is it possible for you to buy insurance in Nepal for yourself.

Group and Private Trek Explained

A group trek consists of other people who wish to go to the same area as you at the same time.  This is a great option if you are only one person because it gives you trekking companions.  If you and a few friends are travelling together you may wish to have a private trek to ensure only you and your friends are in the group.  Please talk to us about this.

Note that on Khopra Ridge Trek you can be just one person with a guide.  Subject to guide availability.

Getting There and Away – Transport Options – Road and Air 

Your trek includes the cost of the tourist bus to/ from Pokhara and the cost of a public jeep or bus from Pokhara to Naya Pool and return. 

Should you wish to hire a private jeep for all or any of the journey please let us know.

There is also the option of flying to / from Pokhara.  A one way ticket from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around USD106.  It costs around the same for Pokhara to Kathmandu.  This short, 25 minute flight is a very comfortable way to travel.  Please be aware, in case of delays due to weather, you should not book a domestic flight within one or two days of your international flight.

What Happens Now? After the Trek Relax in Pokhara

Having successfully completed the Khopra Ridge Trek you can either return to Kathmandu or extend your stay in Pokhara.  With the final night of your trek hotel is not included, Please arrange your own onward accommodation.

There is plenty to do in Pokhara such as exploring the natural beauty, exploring the temples, boating on the lake, or even bungy jumping!  The latest attraction is a cable car up to Sarangkot, a great sunrise viewpoint.

And of course, there is plenty of night life in the tourist area called Lakeside.

Trip Variations and Extensions to Your Trek 

You can add some side trips to the Khopra Ridge Trek.  For example, you can also trek up to Poon Hill or even extend your trip to go up to Muktinath via Jomson. 

Poon Hill:

This is a very famous trek in its own right.  Poon Hill is a wonderful viewpoint at 3,210 m / 10,500 ft which is a short early morning hike from the village of Ghorepani. Morning hike because you are going specifically for the sunrise.  Ghorepani itself is 4 to 5 hours from Ulleri, making this a very doable add-on to the Khopra Ridge Trek.   Days added: 2.

Ulleri to Muktinath via Jomson and Kagbeni:

If you would like to explore more of the Annapurnas you can add more days and hike up to Jomson and on to Muktinath.  Or drive up (within the day) and overnight at Muktinath to explore the interesting Hindu temple there.  You could then hike down to Kagbeni, a very different and mainly Buddhist village with covered alleys, strange clay statues, and a view up the gorge to Upper Mustang. Either hike or drive back down.  There are actually a few options here, from 2 days extra to more than a week extra.  Ask us!

What to Take on Your Trek 

We have a wonderful packing list PDF you can download here.

Layering:  Yes, layering your clothing is best.  It can be pretty warm at the lower altitudes, particularly in the daytime, but as night falls, the temperature drops, and you want to be able to put on other clothes – in layers. 

Mornings and evenings can be cold so definitely you need to bring warm clothes for these times. 

Wearing thermal underwear is a good idea, particularly at higher altitudes. Trekking trousers that zip into shorts are great for warm days and colder mornings and evenings.  A fleece jacket is a must and a down jacket may be needed at the start of the spring or end of the autumn at the higher altitudes.

Don’t forget the good trekking boots you have worn – a blister is painful!  See our packing list for more details of what to bring. Note that a down jacket can be rented in Kathmandu.

Pack Smart: That means pack light!

Toiletries: Decant soaps, shampoo, etc., should be put into travel-sized containers. 

Why Book with Magical Nepal

We have been operating since 2017. We started when we were young and enthusiastic—and yes, we are still young and enthusiastic!

We offer great value for money, knowledgeable guides, and an unforgettable experience. Don’t believe us? Read the reviews from past clients.

Our guides and porters are mainly from the areas we trek through, so they have detailed knowledge about these areas. Moreover, they can access local support at all times, if required.  

Our price is guaranteed.  And, if you find the same trek at a lower price, we will match it.