Khopra Ridge Trek Guide: Distance, Elevation & Best Time

The Khopra Ridge Trek (also called the Khopra Danda Trek) is a quiet Himalayan trail in the Annapurna Conservation Area of western Nepal, in the Myagdi district. Khopra Ridge itself is a high grassy ridge at about 3,660 m (12,008 ft), reached by road from Pokhara and then on foot through Gurung villages and rhododendron forest.

Khopra Ridge and Khopra Danda are the same place. The ridge is known for 360° views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and for community-run lodges that keep the trail far less crowded than Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp.

Our 9-day itinerary from Pokhara is:

1. Day 1: Arrive in Pokhara (825 m) and attend the trek briefing.
2. Day 2: Drive 48 km (~2 hrs) to Klue (1,800 m), then trek 7 km (4–5 hrs) to Ghandruk (2,000 m).
3. Day 3: Ghandruk to Tadapani (2,650 m), 6–7 km, 4–5 hrs.
4. Day 4: Tadapani to Dobato (3,430 m), 6 km, ~6 hrs.
5. Day 5: Dobato to Chhistibang (3,020 m) via Muldai Top (3,630 m), 9 km, 6–7 hrs.
6. Day 6: Chhistibang to Khopra Ridge (3,660 m), 4 km, ~3 hrs.
7. Day 7: Khopra Ridge to Khayer Lake (4,660 m) and back, 16 km, 8–9 hrs.
8. Day 8: Khopra Ridge to Paudwar (2,010 m) via Gorge Point, 8–9 km, 6–7 hrs.
9. Day 9: Paudwar to Tatopani (1,200 m), 5 km, ~3 hrs, then drive 110 km (~5 hrs) to Pokhara.

See the full inclusions and dates on the 9-day Khopra Ridge Trek package page.

Adding up the daily stages of our 9-day itinerary gives about 62 km (roughly 38 miles) of walking. Of that, 16 km is the Khayer Lake day hike, so the main route without Khayer Lake is about 46 km (roughly 29 miles). Road transfers (Pokhara to Klue and Tatopani to Pokhara) are extra.

Distances vary between operators because routes differ: some start at Nayapul or Ghorepani, add Poon Hill, or skip Khayer Lake. Compare the start point, the route and the number of days before comparing distances.

Itineraries online range from about 6 to 14 days. Ours is 9 days from Pokhara to Pokhara (8 days of travel and trekking after arrival). That pace gives a gradual climb, a rest on the ridge, and time for the Khayer Lake day hike without rushing.

Shorter versions cut the Khayer Lake day or use faster ascents. Longer ones add Poon Hill or extra buffer days. If you want a custom plan, message us on WhatsApp.

Khayer Lake (also spelled Khayar or K’aire) is a sacred high-altitude lake at about 4,660 m (15,300 ft), below Annapurna South. It is the highest point of the trek.

The trip is a demanding day hike from Khopra Ridge: 16 km round trip, 8–9 hours and roughly 1,000 m of climbing, then back to Khopra Ridge for the night. It is optional. Your trek leader decides on the day based on weather, snow and how the group feels. In early spring, snow can cover the trail and the lake. If you are unwell, resting on the ridge is the right call.

From Khopra Ridge you get close views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Muldai Top (3,630 m) on Day 5 is another strong viewpoint.

Because you sleep on the ridge, you can watch sunset and sunrise light on the snow peaks instead of passing through for a quick photo. Clear mornings are most likely in October–November and in March–April.

Our grade is moderate. Walking days run from 4 to 16 km and from about 3 to 9 hours, on well-defined trails with steady climbs and some steep sections. You carry a daypack only if you use a porter.

The three hardest days are:

• Day 4: a steady climb of about 780 m to Dobato (3,430 m).
• Day 5: a 9 km ridge walk with steep ascents over Muldai Top.
• Day 7: the Khayer Lake day hike (16 km, 8–9 hrs, ~1,000 m climb).

Yes, for fit beginners. You do not need technical skills, but you do need stamina and some multi-day hiking experience. It is a tougher first Himalayan trek than Poon Hill because of the longer days and the first nights above 3,000 m.

If you have never trekked above 3,000 m, train for 6–8 weeks first and tell your trek leader so they can pace the group accordingly.

The highest place you sleep is Khopra Ridge at 3,660 m (12,008 ft). The highest point of the trek is Khayer Lake at about 4,660 m (15,300 ft), reached as a day hike from the ridge.

For comparison, Poon Hill is about 3,200 m and Annapurna Base Camp is about 4,130 m.

Yes, from Day 4 onwards. That is the first night above 3,000 m: you climb about 780 m from Tadapani (2,650 m) to sleep at Dobato (3,430 m). The itinerary has no dedicated rest day, so pace and hydration matter.

• Climb slowly, drink plenty of water and do not skip meals.
• Day 5 helps: you cross Muldai Top (3,630 m) but sleep lower, at Chhistibang (3,020 m).
• On Day 7 you climb to 4,660 m and return to sleep at 3,660 m (climb high, sleep low).
• Tell your guide at once if you have a headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness. Do not climb higher with worsening symptoms, and descend if they do not ease.
• Take Diamox or any altitude medication only after speaking to your doctor.

Start 6–8 weeks before departure. Aim for 3–4 cardio sessions a week (brisk walking, running, cycling or stairs), plus squats, lunges and core work twice a week.

Add a weekend hike with a 6–8 kg backpack every week or two, building to 4–6 hours on hilly ground. If you live near Pune or Mumbai, Sahyadri hikes are good practice. You should be able to walk 6–8 km uphill comfortably before you book.

The two seasons are March–May (spring) and September–November (autumn).

• October–November: clearest skies and the most stable weather, with cold nights on the ridge.
• March–April: warmer days, rhododendron forests in bloom on the lower sections, and good mountain views.
• May: warm but often hazy, with pre-monsoon showers possible.

Check live departures for spring 2027 on the trek page.

Nights at Khopra Ridge (3,660 m) are cold in every season, often near or below freezing, especially in November and March. Days are pleasant in the sun but turn cold quickly when clouds roll in. The Khayer Lake day is colder and windier still.

Pack a proper layering system, a warm sleeping bag or liner and insulated gloves and hat. See the packing question below.

It is not recommended. Heavy rain, leeches in the lower forests, cloud that hides the mountains and landslides on the access roads make the trek unpleasant and less safe. Choose spring or autumn instead.

We do not recommend it for most trekkers. From December to February the upper trail can be covered in snow and ice, nights are very cold, some community lodges may close and the Khayer Lake route is often not practical.

Our 9-day Khopra Ridge Trek from Pokhara is currently ₹39,900 per adult (discounted from ₹45,500). Prices and discounts change by batch, so check the live price and dates on the Khopra Ridge Trek page.

Going independently can look cheaper on paper, but you must add the road transfers to Klue and back from Tatopani, permits, a guide or porter if you hire one, and all meals and lodging. Compare line by line.

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea or coffee during the trek.
• Twin-sharing lodge or homestay accommodation on the trek.
• Government-licensed trekking guide.
• Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card fees.
• Road transfers as per the itinerary, a medical kit and a trek certificate.

Not included: international and domestic flights, Kathmandu hotel and meals, meals in Pokhara, personal gear, drinks, laundry, phone and Wi-Fi, travel and medical insurance, helicopter rescue, tips, extra nights, and the Nepal visa fee for nationalities that need a visa.

Porter options and the Pokhara hotel night are shown on the booking page when you choose your package, so check them there before you pay.

• Visa: Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal.
• ID: carry a valid passport or Election (Voter) ID. Aadhaar alone is generally not accepted for entry by air, so check the current requirements before you travel.
• Money: Indian notes above ₹100 are not accepted in Nepal. Carry Nepali rupees for the trek.
• Getting to Pokhara: most trekkers fly to Kathmandu, then take a short domestic flight or a 6–8 hour road journey to Pokhara. You can also travel overland via the Sunauli border.
• Documents: bring passport-size photos and ID copies for permits.

In short: 25+ days before the trek, 5% deduction, or a 100% voucher valid for a year, or transfer to a friend. 24–15 days: 30% deduction or voucher options. 14–10 days: 50% deduction, a voucher or a batch change. Less than 9 days: no cash refund. Rescheduling for the same trek carries a 30% fee.

Read the full terms on our Terms and Conditions page before you book.

Do not count on ATMs once you leave Pokhara. Carry enough Nepali rupees for drinks, extra snacks, showers, charging, tips and personal expenses, and keep a small reserve in case of delays.

Insurance is not included in our package, and helicopter rescue is an extra cost paid directly if it is needed. Buy a policy that covers trekking up to at least 5,000 m, including emergency evacuation and medical care.

Khopra Ridge lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP permit. A TIMS card has also been required in recent years, but requirements and fees for TIMS and local entry fees have changed several times, so confirm the current rules with the Nepal Tourism Board, the ACAP office or your operator before you travel.

In our package, permit fees are included and we arrange them for you. Permits are issued in Kathmandu or Pokhara, so bring your passport or ID and passport-size photos.

Rules for independent trekkers and mandatory guides in Nepal have been tightened and enforced unevenly in recent years. Check the latest requirement with the Nepal Tourism Board or the ACAP office before going without a guide.

Even if it is allowed, we strongly recommend a licensed local guide. The upper section has few other trekkers, lodges are community-run and basic, signal is patchy, and a guide helps with pacing, altitude decisions, lodge bookings and emergencies.

You stay in teahouses and community-run lodges at Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, Chhistibang and Khopra Ridge, and in a local homestay at Paudwar. They are basic twin-sharing rooms with shared bathrooms. Hot showers, where available, are usually paid, and blankets are provided but nights are cold.

The lodges are smaller and simpler than on the main Annapurna routes, which is part of the appeal. Booking ahead matters in peak months.

Simple, filling Nepali meals: dal bhat, noodles, soups, potatoes, eggs, momos and porridge. Menus are shorter than on busier routes. Vegetarian food is easy to find, and meat is limited and best avoided at altitude. Tell us your dietary needs when you book.

Drink boiled or treated water. Buy boiled water at lodges, or carry purification tablets or a filter bottle.

Signal is patchy and often absent on the ridge. Some lodges sell Wi-Fi and phone charging, usually via solar power, at extra cost. Carry a 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank and keep your phone in airplane mode to save battery. Check roaming with your operator, or buy a Nepali SIM in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

It is generally a safe trek for solo travellers and women when done with a licensed guide and a small group, which is how our departures run. Community lodges are welcoming and the trail is quiet. Use normal precautions, stay with your group and share your plans with someone at home.

• Bags: 50–60 L trekking backpack with rain cover, 20–30 L daypack, trekking poles.
• Layers: 2–3 thermal tops and bottoms, a fleece, a down or padded jacket, a waterproof and windproof shell, rain pants, 2–3 quick-dry shirts, 2 trekking pants.
• Head and hands: woollen cap, sun hat, buff, UV sunglasses, inner and waterproof outer gloves.
• Footwear: broken-in waterproof boots, camp shoes, 4–5 pairs of trekking socks and one thermal pair.
• Sleep: a sleeping bag rated to about –10°C, or at least a sleeping liner. Lodges give blankets, but nights on the ridge are cold.
• Health and extras: sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm, personal first-aid kit, water purification tablets or filter, headlamp with spare batteries, power bank, reusable 1 L bottle, snacks.
• Documents: passport or ID, permit copies, insurance papers, passport photos, Nepali rupees.

It is harder than Poon Hill and roughly comparable to Annapurna Base Camp. Compared with Poon Hill, it is longer and higher, has steeper ascents and has far fewer facilities. With the Khayer Lake day hike, it reaches a higher point than ABC.

No. It sees far fewer trekkers than Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp or Mardi Himal, and the ridge itself is peaceful. Lodges at the higher camps are small, so book early and travel in a small group during October–November and April.

Many Khopra itineraries pass through Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Our 9-day plan goes via Klue, Ghandruk and Tadapani instead. Customised itineraries, such as adding Poon Hill, extra rest days or private departures, are possible. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size.