Trip Introduction
Khopra ridge trek is set in the heart of the Annapurna sanctuary and although it is one of the most beautiful and interesting treks in the region, it is also one of the least walked and amazing traditional culture of Gurung and Poon. Khopra Ridge Trek allows trekkers to have the best available views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges among many others. In the springtime, the trail offers amazing flowers and the rhododendron trees give fantastic views and photo opportunities.
The region is home to two big festivals in Khayer lake every year. The local people gather on the top of the ridge once in March and April and again in July and August. The villagers take blood from a yak and drink its blood while it is still warm! They believe that this will cure any illness. It is also the time people believe that they will receive everything they pray for including a wife, and also women asking for fertility.
This trek is a new path in the Annapurna region. Unlike some of the others is not as developed, the lodges and tea houses are very basic and are home-stay. This, of course, allows you to experience Nepal at a more basic level and be close to the natural surroundings. The trek for Annapurna starts and ends in the second largest and most beautiful city of Pokhara. Fewa Lake is in Pokhara. It has many sightseeing opportunities. It is the perfect place to relax and recharge the batteries after many days trekking.
What's included
-
Four nights accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast. This will be for the two nights before trek and two night after trek. Two nights in a three star hotel in Pokhara.
-
All accommodation whilst on trek.
-
You are able to choose any food, any tea and coffee from menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
-
Return internal flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
-
Private bus from Pokhara to Nyapul and return at the end of the trek.
-
Trekking leader, guides accommodation and internal airfare.
-
Porter accommodation and wages while on trek.
-
Trekking Leader, guides and porters insurance.
-
Trekking permits and national park fees for the trek. Trekking in the Annapurna region also requires a conservation permit which is also included.
-
An English speaking tour guide for Kathmandu sightseeing.
-
Private transportation in Kathmandu including all airport arrivals and departures. This is also for the sightseeing tours.
-
All government taxes and service charge.
-
Medical supplies (First aid kit).
What's excluded
-
Flights to and from Nepal
-
Visa to Nepal. (Available when you land)
-
Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
-
Snacks and any extra drinks which you need on trek.
-
Extra night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure.
-
All the hotel accommodation or meals in Kathmandu.( in the case return early from trek due to any reason)
-
Tip for Guides and Porters.
-
Your insurance.
-
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu.
Arrive into Kathmandu. You will be met by a member of Top of the World Treks and after a 45 minute bus journey to the heart of the city and check into the hotel there is time for a cup of tea, shower and then a chance to see the tourist district of Kathmandu by night as we go for dinner before an early night!
-
Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
A day in Kathmandu where we will take you to Swayambhunath which is a Buddhist stupa and Monastery, which is over 2000 years old and one of the oldest in the world. Here is a great chance to see across the valleys, see some monkeys and begin to learn about this fascinating country.The afternoon will be spent getting for the trek and some time to relax and make sure all the kit and packing is complete. Also the first time you can go shopping which in Thamel is an adventure in itself!
-
Day 3
Kathmandu to Gandruk Trekking time 4-5 hours.
We will get up early in the morning and catch a flight to Pokhara, this takes around 45 minutes. We then have private transport to the village of Nayapul. We begin our trekking and walk to the village of Ghandruk. (1940m) It is a typical village in the region and we will see gurung culture and also excellent view of the mountain like Annapurna South, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna3
-
Day 4
Gandruk to Tadapani Trekking time 4 – 5 hours.
We start the day with an ascent, we will walk through the rhododendron forest and have a great chance to see monkeys and many different birds and flowers. There are good views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way.Our home for the night at Tadapani (2300m) is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views.
-
Day 5
Tadapani to Dobato (34 25m)Trekking time 4– 5 hours.
Today we leave the Annapurna sanctuary trail and head on a less travelled path, we start through a thick rhododendron forest that leads to local water buffalo pastures. We have a gradual uphill climb and we will emerge above the tree line and be rewarded with fantastic views of the Annapurna range and then we arrive at Dobato for lunch and camp (2900m)
-
Day 6
Dobato to Bayali KharkaTrekking (3490m) time 5 – 6 hours.
Today wake up early in the morning and we hike to Mulde view poin for Panoramic view of Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri range. After the capturing amazing picture then we will take down to Dobato for breakfast. So after breakfast we trek to continue to Baily Kharka descending through forest and pastures until we reach at out camp.
-
Day 7
Bayali Kharka to Upper Chistibung (3000m) 4 -5 hours.
Today we head to Upper Chistibung (3000m) we spend the morning descending through forest and pastures until we reach Deaurili or Lower Chistibung where we will have lunch. In the afternoon we will continue to walk through the forest but this time with a gradual ascent.
-
Day 8
Upper Chistibung to Khopra ridge (3870m) 3-4 hours
We begin the day with a steady climb that takes us above the tree line. The area is full of wildlife and we will have a good opportunity to see Mountain Thar and Danfe Pheasant. It is a climb that we will take slowly so we can have rest when we need and also have lots of chances to take photos. When we reach our home for the night at Kopra Ridge (3870m) we will have amazing mountain views including Annapurna South which will be only 6km away and Fang and Nilgiri to the north, while in the west we can see the Dhaulagiri range.
-
Day 9
Acclimatisation and exploring day.
We stay in Khopra for a second night and using the day to explore the area. We will walk up tp Khayer Lake and temple (4827m). It is quite a long walk but you will not be disappointed and the views are worth it!
-
Day 10
Khopra Ridge to Paudwar (2012m) Trekking time 4 – 5hours.
We spend the morning descend down the hillside with some steep sections and initially follows open ground passing through several buffalo pastures before entering thick oak and rhododendron forest that leads to the village of Paudwar where we will spend the night.
-
Day 11
Paudwar to Tatopani (1190) Trekking time 4 – 5 hours.
From Paudwar we will descend through fields until we come to a small river, there is a small water mill here. We will cross the suspension bridge and head to the village of hillkharka (1300) We then descend down to Tatopani 1190m where we will spend the night and have great time with spring water.
-
Day 12
Tatopani to Pokhara drive 4 hpours.
Today no more trekking and we will catch up local Bus from Tatopani to Beni and from Beni to taxi to Pokhara arrive on time.
-
Day 13
Sightseeing in Pokhara.
We spend the day together in Pokhara and will take boats across the lake. Here we will walk up to the World Peace Stupa. Where we can see all the mountains and the city of Pokhara. It is a very interesting place and a chance to learn about Buddhism. After this we will walk back down the other side and then there is a chance to visit the Mountaineering Museum if the group would like to.Evening will be spent in Pokhara.
-
Day 14
Pokhara To Kathmandu.
We will get up early and after breakfast head for the airport where we will then fly back to Kathmandu. Or Catch tourist bus the drive to Kathmandu. We will be back in the city where we will go to the hotel and the rest of the day is then free for shopping, and a rest.
-
Day 15
Depart to home.
Extra days are available at your own cost but we will be happy to arrange this for you.We believe that after a day trekking it is important to have the best available accommodation and food. This is why we use only the best lodges and hotels and allow our customers to choose the food they wish to eat from the menu available.Unlike many other trekking companies our price includes all meals on trek. Email- info@topoftheworldtreks.com
Book our fixed departures
Equipments
Equipment Check – List
What clothing and equipment to take is one of the things that people worry the most about! We can advise you and help you and it does, of course, depend on the time of year, the area, the altitude and how many days you are trekking/climbing. When you arrive in Kathmandu we will go through all your equipment to ensure that it is correct for your trip. In Thamel (the tourist area of Kathmandu where you will be staying) there is an abundance of shops selling equipment and clothing so if anything is forgotten it can easily be sourced. It is also possible to hire climbing equipment and also items such as down jackets, and sleeping bags saving you a large purchase.
The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both camping and tea house treks. Use this list as a guideline. The basic checklist should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag should weigh no more than 15kg. Please remember this is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below.
GENERAL CHECKLIST
The following basic checklist should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag should weigh no more than 15 kilograms. Please remember this is just a checklist and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed below. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision.
-Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
-Fleece jacket or pullover.
-fleece wind –stopper Jacket (optional)
-Waterproof shell jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
-Lightweight thermal gloves.
-Underwear (4)
-Shorts (2)
-Lightweight cotton long trousers/pants.
-Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms.
-Sun hat or Scarf.
-Warm fleece hat or light balaclava.
-T-shirt (2)
-Thin, lightweight (inner socks) (4).
-Sunglasses with UV protection.
-Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees ¾ season
-Headlamp (eg Petzl) Spare bulbs and batteries.
-Small padlock to lock trek bag.
-Basic first aid kit(see First aid medicine bellow)
-Plastic bags –for keeping items dry inside trek bag.
-Daypack ( 35 to 40 litters/ 2500 to 3000 cubic inches.)
-Camping mattress, eg Thermarest pad.
-water bottles.
-Toiletries.
-Small wash towel.
-Footwear, appropriate to the trip.
-Waterproof shell trousers/pants. (Preferably breathable fabric)
TREKKING CHECKLIST
In addition to the items listed in our general checklist you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:
-Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer.
-Down vest and/ or jacket (optional).
-Fleece or wool trousers/ pants.
-Trekking/ hiking boots with spare laces.
-Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
– Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and /or sandals.
-Gaiters (optional).
-Telescopic trekking/ ski poles (optional)
MOUNTAINEERING / CLIMBING CHECKLIST
In addition to the checklists for general trekking equipment above, and depending on the trip you have chosen, various items of mountaineering equipment may also be required, eg:
-Plastic boots and crampons (preferably step – in bindings ) with front points.
-Mountaineering Safety harness.
-Mountaineering Ice axe(60 to 75 cms long – depending on your height and personal preference).
-120 cms (4ft) climbing sling and to locking and unlocking caravans.
-Telescopic ski – sticks (optional).
-Prussik loops.
-Climbing helmet (optional).
-Jumper (Ascender & Descender).
-Pocket Knife.
-Headlamp.
-Mattress.
-Rope and Snow bars.
-Ice crew.
-High altimeter.
Most if not all of this equipment will be needed for any trip that crosses steep, snow-covered ground, or which includes sections of glacier travel. Our recommendation that you take no more than fifteen kilos of trekking equipment dose not include your plastic boots, ice axe, Crampons otherness/carabiners. During the trek, climbing hard wear will be carried separately from your trek bag, in group bags until needed.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
To minimize your expense outlay for trekking and climbing equipment you may never use again, equipment rental and buying is possible in Kathmandu. You find them a lot cheaper than you find in Europe and the USA. Shops in Thamel offer a wide range of equipment available for rent and buy. Here is some cost which gives you an idea of the cost to rent in Kathmandu.
-Sleeping bags.
-Down Jackets.
-All-purpose mountaineering Ice axe (60 – 70 cms)
-Ice hummer.
-Climbing Harness.
-2 looking Carabiners, Climbing Sling.
-12 – point Crampons.
-Plastic Climbing boots.
-Helmet.
FIRST AID MEDICINE
-Bandage for Sprains.
-Plaster/ Band-aids.
-Iodine or Water filter(optional)
-Moleskin/ Second skin – for blisters.
-Antiseptic ointment for cuts.
-Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
-Aspirin/ paracetamol- general painkiller.
-Oral rehydration salts.
-Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin).
-Anti – diarrhoea medication (antibiotic).
-Diarrhoea stopper (Imodium – optional).
-Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria.
-Diamox (Altitude sickness – can be bought in Kathmandu.
-Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution).
– For more details please see our staying healthy topic.
